Egyptian opposition: 'There is a better democracy' By Reza Sayah and Amir Ahmed, CNN December 9, 2012 -- Updated 1208 GMT (2008 HKT) The opposition calls on protesters to converge on the presidential palace, officials say Opposition leaders are also scheduled to meet to discuss the referendum President Mohamed Morsy has refused to delay a constitutional referendum Cairo (CNN) -- Opponents of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsy's constitutional referendum this week marshaled protesters Sunday to march on the presidential palace, raising fears of a repeat of the deadly clashes that have rocked Cairo in recent days. The call for demonstrations follows news that Morsy refused to delay the vote on a new constitution even as he rolled back a controversial edict that gave himself sweeping powers. The move was an attempt to stamp out a political crisis that has spilled into the streets, pitting the president's supporters and opponents against one another and raising questions about Morsy's ability to lead the fragile democracy. Almost as soon as Morsy adviser Mohamed Selim el-Awwa laid out the offer Saturday, many in the opposition dismissed it. "No, there is better democracy than that," Amr Moussa, former head of the Arab League and a key opposition figure, told CNN. If the constitution lacks serenity and objectivity in certain of its articles, we have time, enough time to change those articles. Morsy has refused to delay the referendum, saying a constitution is essential for the fledgling democracy, while the opposition says the document does not represent all Egyptians. An independent judicial panel backed Morsy's announcement on Saturday, finding that the referendum must be carried out on December 15 to meet a legal requirement. A coalition of opposition groups, meanwhile, was scheduled to meet Sunday to discuss the Morsy's refusal to delay the referendum, said George Ishaq of the National Salvation Front, the coalition's umbrella group. At least five demonstrations were organized to begin Sunday in various parts of Cairo, with protesters then planning to march on the presidential palace. The palace has been the seen of violent clashes pitting thousands of protesters -- for and against Morsy. Egyptian authorities said at least six people have been killed in violent clashes in recent days, while the Muslim Brotherhood -- the group that backs Morsy -- has said eight of its members were killed. The crisis erupted in late November when Morsy issued the edict allowing himself to run the country unchecked until a new constitution was drafted, a move that sat uncomfortably with many Egyptians who said it reminded them of ousted President Hosni Mubarak's rule. Morsy had said the powers were necessary and temporary. But that promise did little to quiet the opposition. Thousands later protested outside the palace, where the opposition clashed with the Muslim Brotherhood. Tens of thousands of protesters -- for and against Morsy -- took to the streets. CNN's Reza Sayah reported from Cairo, and Amir Ahmed from Atlanta. In scenes reminiscent of the mass demonstrations that brought about the downfall of former president in 2011, thousands of protestors have turned out in Cairo. December 9, 2012 -- Updated 1206 GMT (2006 HKT)