BBC News | AFRICA | Congo approves new constitution

The opposition parties argued that the proposed new constitution would give excessive powers to President Denis Sassou-Nguesso.

But government officials argued that the draft would pave the way for elections.

"We appreciate the zealousness and patriotism of the population, who listened to the voice of peace," Interior Minister General Pierre Oba said.

Greater powers

The new constitution extends the president's term from five to seven years and allows him to appoint and dismiss ministers.

It does away with the position of prime minister altogether, and provides for a new bicameral assembly made up of a house of representatives and a senate.

The country has had only a provisional constitution since President Sassou-Nguesso seized power in 1997, ousting the elected president, Pascal Lissouba.

A year later, Mr Sassou-Nguesso faced a coup attempt by militias loyal to Mr Lissouba and Bernard Kolelas, a former prime minister.

The country has been relatively calm since the end of 1999, when ceasefire agreements were signed.

Opposition

The draft constitution was approved in April by delegates to a national peace conference called by Mr Sassou-Nguesso, which neither Mr Lissouba nor Mr Kolelas attended - they had both been convicted in absentia for crimes committed in 1997.

Non-governmental human rights groups denounced the voting process, citing irregularities. International observers were not invited to supervise the referendum vote.

Presidential, legislative and municipal elections are scheduled to be held in Congo-Brazzaville on 10 March, 12 May and 9 June respectively.