Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi has issued an edict allowing the army to take over security ahead of the vote on a constitutional referendum. (AFP)

Boston.com is reporting that the Egyptian military has assumed responsibility for security and protecting state institutions in the country until the results of a Dec. 15 constitutional referendum. Members of the army will also have the right to arrest citizens while maintaining security during the process.

Al Jazeera is reporting:

This is a simple up-or-down referendum: If a majority of voters approve of the constitution, it will go into effect.

If the constitution is rejected, then – pursuant to another decree issued by Morsi, this one on December 8 – a new assembly will be elected, by popular vote, within three months. It will have six months to draw up a new constitution, which will then face another public vote.

The edict goes into effect on the eve of mass rallies called by the opposition and President Morsi’s supporters.

Read more at Al Jazeera or Boston.com

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