ALEXANDRIA, Egypt — In line at polling stations, on tram cars and minibuses, and at cafes and corner shops, residents of this Mediterranean city discussed the controversial constitution that went to a vote Saturday in 10 of Egypt's 27 governorates. Heated debates showed the lack of consensus among voters on the charter. Strong opinions expressed by these voters also indicated the extent to which some view the constitutional referendum — and the broader struggle over Egypt's identity — as a zero-sum game.

Fittingly, conversations among residents of Egypt's second-largest city were not just about the constitution itself, but also about President Mohammed Morsi's approach to steering Egypt's political transition; about the role of the Muslim Brotherhood — from which Morsi hails — in politics since the 2011 revolution; and about how the worst turmoil to hit Egypt in the nearly two years since its popular uprising can and should be ended.

Alexandria is home to strong contingents from all of the political forces that have vied for power during Egypt's tumultuous transition. 

The city was home to Khaled Said, a young man who died in 2010 after brutal beatings by police officers. His story became a rallying cry for Egyptians calling for an end to torture by security forces, among other demands, in the 2011 revolution.