Today millions of Egyptians are going to the ballot boxes to decide on a new constitution , the third time they have done so in as many years . They are voting with high hopes that this referendum will put an end to the bloodshed , social tensions and instability that followed the ouster of the Muslim Brotherhood President Mohamed Morsy in July 2013 . Seen as the lynchpin in the `` roadmap '' that was declared soon thereafter , the referendum is to be followed by presidential and parliamentary elections . Once these elections are conducted , it is hoped that Egypt 's revolution , which erupted exactly three years ago , will have accomplished its goals . However , hopes that this referendum offers a panacea to Egypt 's deep problems are wishful thinking . The referendum is being conducted under measures that can only be described as draconian . An anti-demonstration law has recently been passed and put into effect with the result that dozens of young activists who were instrumental in the 2011 revolution -- but who continue to be critical of the military -- are now behind bars . A ferocious publicity campaign urging people to vote `` yes '' is constantly blaring out of government and private media outlets . Human Rights Watch says seven members of the opposition Strong Egypt party were recently arrested for hanging posters saying `` no '' to the proposed constitution . The army is expected to deploy 160,000 troops with thousands of tanks , armored personnel carriers and helicopters to `` protect the voting process . '' The outcome of the referendum is not in doubt . If the preliminary results of the vote of ex-pat Egyptians who have already cast their ballots are anything to go by , the constitutional draft is expected to pass with an overwhelming majority that may approach 90 % . And it would be a mistake to believe that this outcome is the result only of army manipulation , intimidation and threats . There are millions of Egyptians who are willingly standing behind General Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi -- the Minister of Defense and the mastermind of the roadmap . Three years into the revolution , they are tired of the political instability , lack of security and deteriorating economic conditions . In el-Sisi they see a savior whom they believe is the only one capable of lifting the country out of its crisis . Still others have become suspicious of the revolutionary youth whom they accuse of being inexperienced , irresponsible and untrustworthy . But most have been so frightened by the Muslim Brotherhood 's brief rule and what they see as its dangerous , undemocratic maverick politics that they decided to give up essential liberty and purchase a little temporary safety . However , while the outcome of the referendum is assured , so too is el-Sisi 's failure to provide either safety or liberty to the millions of starry-eyed Egyptians . For one thing , Egypt 's economy is nearing total collapse , with a recent report by Egypt 's Ministry of International Cooperation showing annual growth rates plummeting from 7.2 % before the revolution to a mere 2.1 % in 2012-2013 . According to the same report , the rate of unemployment rose from 8.4 % to 13.2 % , and poverty rates worsened -- from 19.6 % in 2010 to 25.2 % in 2013 . Meanwhile , foreign reserves more than halved in the three years of the revolution . Equally dire is the political situation . While the Muslim Brotherhood is accused of failing fundamental democratic tests while in power , the subsequent hounding , arresting and killing of its members has only given the organization the kiss of life and assured its existence for generations to come . Economically and politically , therefore , Egypt 's problems are of such a depth and complexity that they can not be solved by force . A political solution is desperately needed , one that el-Sisi and his henchmen seem singularly incapable of offering . Egypt thus appears to be back where it was in 2011 when its revolution erupted . A military dictatorship seems to be re-establishing itself , and the notorious security forces appear to be back in business , with a vengeance . Still , as someone who took to the streets in 2011 against Mubarak , and again in 2012 and 2013 against Morsy , I am willing to take to the streets once more against this new military dictatorship that is poised to impose itself with a civilian veneer . And I know that I will not be alone . The many Egyptians who have participated in the 2011 revolution ; those who have lost loved ones since then ; the Muslim Brotherhood supporters who have been brutally suppressed and disenfranchised ; and the many more who have become deeply engaged in politics hoping for a better future -- those millions of Egyptians can not be wished away . They have become bolder , more vocal and more experienced . At the same time , the military has shown a dismal lack of political tact and strategic vision . Egypt 's revolution , whose tragedy it is to tackle -- at the same time -- the two intractable questions of what should be the proper role of the military in politics and what should be the proper role of religion in politics , is still in its infancy . The road ahead is long and bumpy . But I have no doubt that the future belongs to us .
Egyptians are voting on a draft constitution that would give the military more power . The referendum is expected to be followed by presidential and parliamentary elections . Comment: But he says if a military dictatorship tries to impose itself , street protests will return .