Ecuador draft constitution passed

[Judi Lynn]

Page last updated at 05:12 GMT, Friday, 25 July 2008 06:12 UK
Ecuador draft constitution passed

A special constituent assembly in Ecuador has overwhelmingly approved a draft of a new constitution sought by the country's President, Rafael Correa.

Ninety-four of the 130 assembly members backed the text, which will be put to a national referendum on 28 September.

The left-wing leader says the reforms, which would allow him to stand again, will tackle political instability and make Ecuador a more just society.

But critics say they will focus more power in the president's hands.

Mr Correa, who made reforming the constitution a key part of his 2007 election campaign, enjoys widespread popular support in his country.

More:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7524680.stm