BEIJING, Dec. 12 (Xinhuanet) – With Egypt's constitutional referendum looming, protesters and supporters of President Mohamed Morsi have geared up for a day of mass demonstrations.

Opposition groups have called for a million-man march to the presidential palace, to urge for the referendum to be called off. Islamists, who dominated the body that drew up the new draft constitution, have also called on their followers to turn out "in millions" to show their support.

To help the police maintain security in the lead-up to the referendum, Morsi has granted the military the power to arrest civilians, and refer them to prosecutors until results of the vote are announced.

(Source: CNTV)