New CAR constitution proclaimed
2004-12-28 21:08
Bangui - President Francois Bozize of the Central African Republic (CAR) has promulgated the new constitution approved by an overwhelming majority of the population last week, the national radio said on Tuesday.
The constitution gives stronger powers to a future prime minister and national assembly and limits the president to a five-year term of office, renewable once.
The electorate will next vote on February 13 in the first round of presidential and parliamentary elections ending transitional rule in force since Bozize overthrew his predecessor Ange Felix Patasse in March last year.
Bozize said after the coup he intended to be only an interim leader, but he announced this month he would stand in the presidential poll.
Patasse, who lives in exile in Togo, also has said he will be a candidate, although he and four former close aides are facing charges of stealing 70 billion CFA francs ($146m) from the country's treasury.