Government holds referendum on new constitution

A referendum held on Sunday on a new constitution for the Republic of Congo would, if voted in, do away with the present post of prime minister and parliament as it now stands, the British Broadcasting Corporation reported. Instead, there would be an elected president able to serve two seven-year terms and a bicameral assembly consisting of a House of Representatives and a Senate, it said. Unlike the current parliament, the assembly would not be empowered to remove the president from office. Early in January, 10 political parties - banded in opposition - called on their supporters to boycott the nationwide plebiscite, the Panafrican News Agency reported. The Republic of Congo last held national presidential elections in August 1992 and legislative elections in October 1993. The presidential election of August 1997 was cancelled because of civil war. A presidential election is expected early this year and a legislative ballot shortly after. No dates have been set.