The Senegalese voted to adopt the new constitution. And finally the
Senegalese women could be treated like the men to have to right to own a
piece of land. The article below is culled from the BBC.

Ousman Bojang.





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.

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