Leading opposition figures refused to attend a debate about the draft constitution that was held inside the Shura Council building.

This debate comes only one day ahead of the second and last phase of the referendum on the draft constitution.

National figures opposed to the constitution draft were invited to discuss these objections with Constituent Assembly figures. The stated aim was to help the citizens decide for themselves about the draft constitution.

Leaders of the National Salvation Front, Mohamed ElBaradei, El-Sayed El-Badawi, Hamdeen Sabahy, and Amr Moussa did not show up to the debate.

Moussa sent a letter on Thursday to Amr Darrag, the Secretary-General of the assembly, saying that he does not understand why the invitation for the debate comes before the second phase of the referendum, “and not both phases.”

“Let alone the timing of the invitation…hours before the second phase which means the dialogue or debate will not be of use or have a result,” his letter read.  Voting in the referendum will start Saturday morning.

Moussa added he does not think there currently is a need another debate, as much as we need to face the reality that there is no national consensus over the draft constitution.

He added that he hopes a serious and productive dialogue will be held soon, rather than a debate or conference, to save the country from the turmoil it is going through.

Photos by Mohamed Omar