CAIRO, Dec 10 (Aswat Masriya) Egypt’s Local Development Minister Adel Labib said on Tuesday that all governorates have begun preparing for a referendum on the new constitution amid heavy security measures.

Labib added in a press conference on Tuesday that measures to ease the process for voters and avoid manipulation are under consideration.

He denied accusations that the government is pushing for a “yes” vote and explained that it merely encourages all eligible voters to participate.

Hany Mahmoud, minister of administrative development, said late on Monday that the constitutional referendum will be held in mid-January.

A 50-member assembly finished drafting the constitution last week and presented it to the interim president for ratification.