BUJUMBURA, May 22 (Xinhua) -- Burundi's ruling party on Tuesday hailed the approval of constitutional amendments, saying the Burundian people have taken a "decisive step" in the country's history.
The electoral commission announced Monday evening that 73.26 percent of the eligible voters approved a new constitution in a referendum, which extends presidential term from five years to seven years and allows the president to serve two consecutive terms.
The new constitution creates the post of prime minister and cuts the number of vice presidents from two to one.
Under the new constitution, President Pierre Nkurunziza, who has served three terms since 2005, can stay in office until 2034 if he is elected.
Burundi was plunged into a crisis in April 2015 when Nkurunziza decided to run his controversial bid for a third term. His candidature, which was opposed by the opposition, resulted in a wave of protests, violence and even a failed coup in May 2015.
Over 4.5 million voters cast their ballots in the referendum last Thursday, according to the electoral commission.
According to the new constitution, the prime minister is to be designated from the ruling party, while the vice president will come from a different party.
"The 'yes' victory is a victory for the entire Burundian people," said Evariste Ndayishimiye, secretary general of the ruling National Council for the Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy at a press conference in Bujumbura, capital city of Burundi.
"The Burundian people have proved their political maturity. The turnout of 96.24 percent proves that Burundian citizens have taken their destiny," said Ndayishimiye.
However, the opposition coalition Burundians' Hope has rejected the referendum result.
The opposition coalition "will go to court because the referendum vote was marred by several irregularities," said Evariste Ngayimpenda, vice chairman of the opposition coalition.
