Namibia's national assembly has endorsed a bill to amend the constitution to allow President Sam Nujoma to run for a third term.

The bill, which was passed by fifty votes to fifteen, will still need consent from Namibia's second house of parliament before it can be ratified.

The move comes ahead of general and presidential elections planned for the end of next year.

The ruling South West Africa People's Organisation argued Mr Nujoma should be allowed to stand again as he has only been elected by popular vote for one term in office four years ago.

In 1989 he was elected by the constituent assembly.

He came to power when the country gained independence from South Africa in 1990.