Senegal constitution 'wins approval'

Wade promised a new constitution when he was elected

The people of Senegal are reported to have approved by an overwhelming majority a new constitution, which the country's president says will strengthen parliament.

According to local media reports, preliminary results showed 90% voted yes in a referendum to change the constitution.

I do not intend to take any action against the national assembly in the next few days or in the next few weeks

President Wade

President Abdoulaye Wade, who won a general election last March after a long period as opposition leader, promised in his manifesto that he would lessen the power of the president.

Under the new constitution, the presidential term will be cut from seven years to five and will limit the holder to two terms in office.

New rules

Any member of parliament who resigns from his party will lose his seat - a measure proposed because of the outrage caused when many opposition members defected to Mr Wade's party after last year's election.

In addition, the head of state will have the power to dissolve the national assembly, without the agreement, currently required, of a two-thirds majority.

Correspondents say this provision would allow Mr Wade to break the political impasse created when he became president.

As the presidential poll was not accompanied by a general election, Mr Wade's new coalition government found itself in a minority in parliament, with fewer than 40 of the 140 seats.

Also under the new constitution:

• The Senate (Upper House) would be abolished

• The right to strike would be recognised provided the action did not "restrict the freedom to work nor put a company in peril"

• Women would be allowed to own land for the first time

Mr Wade said he was in no hurry to dissolve parliament.

"I do not intend to take any action against the national assembly in the next few days or in the next few weeks."

He added that it was important that legislative elections take place before the rainy season in May.