Bamako, Mali - The Malian parliament Tuesday unanimously adopted a bill amending the country's constitution of 25 February, 1992, to give wide ranging powers to the President without extending the five-year tenure, renewable once.

The bill amending the constitution affects 105 articles of the 122 in the constitution.

According to the Minister of State for Reform, Daba Diawara, the new powers given to the President includes being able to define the national policy, a job previously done by the Prime Minister.

Under the new arrangement, the president now has the power to sack the Prime Minister even without a request from the latter.

The new constitution also makes it possible for the president to be stripped of his powers if convicted of treason charges. In addition, the president will be barred for gunning for another presidential election.

The President of the Constitutional Court shall be appointed by the President and not elected by the councilors of the court and he shall have a non-renewable term.

A Court of Auditors is also expected to be created in place of the current Accounts Section of the Supreme Court.

The High Council of the communities will give way to the Senate.

Pana 04/08/2011