Ivory Coast OKs New Constitution in a Bid to Return to Civilian Rule
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ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast — In a landslide vote, Ivory Coast residents approved a new constitution billed as a first step to return the West African nation to civilian rule, according to final results Tuesday.
But opponents of the referendum that took place Sunday and Monday worried that the new charter will legally enshrine growing anti-foreigner sentiment and ethnic tensions.
Final returns showed 86.5% backing the constitution, Interior Ministry official Fidel Yapi said.
The referendum came at a critical juncture for Ivory Coast. Once among Africa’s most stable nations, the country is facing increasing military unrest and a battered economy.
Supporters say the new constitution will help restore civilian rule, culminating in presidential elections Sept. 17.
Junta leader Gen. Robert Guei, who took power in a December coup, is a likely candidate.
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