The national electoral court in Argentina has ruled that President Carlos Menem is banned by the constitution from seeking a third term in 1999.

Mr Menem was first elected in 1989 and re-elected in 1995 after the constition was altered to allow him to stand a second time.

His supporters had appealed to the court for an interpretation of the constitution that would allow him to run once again.

President Menem has publicly said he will not seek another term, but correspondents say he has not given clear orders to his followers to stop their re-election campaign.