Tunisia’s President Zine el Abidine ben Ali signed into law a new constitution, overwhelmingly approved in a referendum last month, under which he will be allowed to stand for re-election in 2004.
The Tunisian leader, in a communiqué Saturday, expressed his "satisfaction over the maturity and the high level of conscience shown by the Tunisian people... regarding the importance of this national event."
The new basic law, approved by a 99.52 percent "yes" vote, removes presidential term limits and raises the age limit for a presidential candidate from 70 to 75, AFP said.
Ben Ali, aged 65, now has two more chances to stand for office after his third term expires in 2004. (Albawaba.com)
