Egypt’s Vice-President Mahmoud Mekki has resigned on the same day that a poll looks set to approve a controversial new draft constitution.

Mekki, a former judge who was appointed vice president in August, said he was stepping down because “political work does not suit my professional character as a judge”.

His resignation was announced on 22 December, the same day that the second stage of a referendum on the country’s new constitution was held. Official results of the vote are net yet available, but after the first stage of voting a week earlier the constitution is expected to be approved but on a low voter turnout.

The draft constitution has been criticised by opponents of President Mohamed Mursi as being rushed through and lacking in detail or explanation of how the rights it codifies should be interpreted or upheld.