Kenyans approved a new constitution leaders said they hope will alleviate problems that undermined good governance, preliminary results indicate.
Sixty-seven percent of voters approved the constitution, compared to 33 percent who voted no, and the turnout was as high as 80 percent in some
areas, the results showed.
Preliminary results released Thursday indicate 76 percent of voters approve the constitution and 33 percent voted no, The (Nairobi) Standard reported.
Opponents conceded early Thursday, officials said.
Once the final tally is announced by Kenya's Interim Independent Electoral Commission, the document becomes law in 14 days, with or without President Mwai Kibaki's signature.
Among other things, the new constitution will restrict the powers of an imperial-style presidency, pave the way for land reform and give Kenyans a bill of rights.
Interim Independent Electoral Commission Chairman Ahmed Isaack said delays of up to two hours in updating provisional results Wednesday was caused by
the "fast and furious" reporting from the field.
"We have committed ourselves to act with integrity and dignity, we are not here to ruin whatever goodwill we have gained by making a mistake," Isaack
said late Wednesday. "There should be no anxiety, worry or suspicion whatsoever."
Opponents, led by members of the locally dominant Kalenjin tribe, said the new constitution would result in taxation or even the government seizure of property.