CAIRO: Prominent Egyptian opposition figure Mohamed ElBaradei was attacked by a group of people throwing stones as he attempted to make his way to a voting station in Cairo's Moqattam neighborhood during Egypt's referendum on constitutional amendments on Saturday. ElBaradei, formerly head of the U.N's International Atomic Energy Agency, has announced he will run for president in Egypt's upcoming polls, and some of those who attacked his car were reportedly shouting, “We don't want you.” On his Twitter account, ElBaradei said, “Went 2 vote w family attacked by organized thugs. Car smashed w rocks. Holding referendum in absence of law & order is an irresponsible act.” Before entering the polling station, ElBaradei's car was surprised by a group of thugs. Their identities are unknown, but many believe they are loyalists of the formerly ruling National Democratic Party or members of a Salafist group. Salafis mobilized their supporters and launched a smear campaign against those who opposed the constitutional amendments, including nearly all opposition forces, describing them as “Enemies of Islam.” Salafis also claimed that those who reject the amendments are plotting to press for the elimination of Article 2 of the Egyptian constitution, which recognizes Egypt as an Islamic state and names Islamic Sharia law as a source of legislation. Salafis also claimed the vote was a matter of religion. A large number of Salafis tried to convince the voters that saying “no” was against Islam and that they must vote ‘yes' if they wanted to protest Sharia law. Earlier in the say, Salafis used mosques to spread their message, and in Alexandria's polls stations they were deterred by the army. ElBaradei repeatedly voiced his rejection of the amendments, calling for a new constitution. BM
