Mursi Says State Prepared for Referendum to Happen on Time

Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi said the referendum on a new constitution will proceed as planned Dec. 15.

In a televised address, Mursi said he will rescind the decree granting himself extraordinary powers once the results of the vote are known.

“The constitutional decree and all its effects will end as soon as the result of the referendum are announced -- be it a yes or a no,” he said. “What I wanted by issuing this decree is to get to the stage of accomplishing the constitution and the referendum on it to allow this great people to express their will.”

Mursi said he was calling for a meeting with some opposition figures on Dec. 8 for a “a comprehensive and productive dialogue.”

To contact the reporter on this story: Mariam Fam in Cairo at mfam1@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Terry Atlas at tatlas@bloomberg.net