Egyptians have strongly backed constitutional changes in a vote that paves the way for elections that may come as early as September.

While turnout was only just over 40 percent the weekend’s referendum came as little surprise with more than 77 percent of participants voting ‘yes’.

Under former president Hosni Mubarak, vote rigging was widely seen as endemic and the head of committee overseeing the poll promised to examine any irregularities.

Mohamemed Ahmed Attiya, the head of the Judicial Oversight committee said: “All complaints have been filed. We’ve been informed about them and legal procedures have been taken against the wrong-doers. They’ve been referred for general prosecution.”

The referendum result will see a number of changes, including a maximum eight year cap on the presidency.

But critics say the reforms don’t go far enough. They also claim the amendments have been rushed through in a bid to hold early elections, something they insist favours Egypt’s established political parties.