Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has signed into law a long-awaited, new constitution that curbs administrative powers and clears the way for new elections.
The constitution was overwhelmingly approved by voters during a referendum earlier this year. Both main parties in Zimbabwe's power-sharing government support it.
A new constitution was one of the conditions of the 2008 deal between President Mugabe and his longtime opponent Morgan Tsvangirai, who is now prime minister.
The new charter imposes a presidential term limit of two five-year terms, although longtime President Mugabe, who is 89, would be allowed to seek office again.
Other changes include more rights for women and a scaling back of the death penalty to exempt women, the young and the elderly.
Zimbabwe is now expected to hold general elections later this year to end the coalition government.
The constitution was overwhelmingly approved by voters during a referendum earlier this year. Both main parties in Zimbabwe's power-sharing government support it.
A new constitution was one of the conditions of the 2008 deal between President Mugabe and his longtime opponent Morgan Tsvangirai, who is now prime minister.
The new charter imposes a presidential term limit of two five-year terms, although longtime President Mugabe, who is 89, would be allowed to seek office again.
Other changes include more rights for women and a scaling back of the death penalty to exempt women, the young and the elderly.
Zimbabwe is now expected to hold general elections later this year to end the coalition government.