Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe signed into law on Wednesday a constitution that scales back government powers, including those currently enjoyed by his own office.
Mr. Mugabe signed the document in Harare, the capital, at a ceremony marked by a handshake with his longtime political rival, Morgan Tsvangirai, the Voice of America reported. The two forged a power-sharing deal after contested elections in 2008; the limited-government constitution was a key provision of that deal, VOA said.
The constitution also opens the door for new elections to take place, though critics say funding is an issue and voting could lead to the same type of violence that erupted in 2008, VOA said.
So far, plans to hold elections later this year are intact.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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