Robert Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe, casts his vote during a referendum at a polling station in Harare, capital of Zimbabwe, on March 16, 2013. Zimbabweans on Saturday started voting on the country's new constitution which will, for the first time, limit the term of a president. (Xinhua/Li Ping)

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Zimbabweans start voting on new constitution

HARARE, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabweans on Saturday started voting on the country's new constitution which will, for the first time, limit the term of a president.

If the draft passes, it will replace the constitution written on the eve of the southern African country's independence from Britain in 1980 and paves way for the presidential and parliamentary elections later this year.Full story

Peace prevails as Zimbabweans vote in constitutional referendum

HARARE, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Peace prevails Saturday as Zimbabweans vote in a referendum that may bring positive changes to this southern African country.

The draft chapter is a major stepping stone for general elections set for late 2013. It for the first time limits a president to two five-year terms, but is not retroactive, meaning President Mugabe, already the eldest African leader at the age of 89, could continue to rule until he turns 99 in 2023.  Full story

Grace Mugabe, first lady of Zimbabwe, casts her vote during a referendum at a polling station in Harare, capital of Zimbabwe, on March 16, 2013. Zimbabweans on Saturday started voting on the country's new constitution which will, for the first time, limit the term of a president. (Xinhua/Li Ping)

Robert Mugabe (2nd L), President of Zimbabwe, and his wife Grace Mugabe (3rd L) watch their daughter casting her vote during a referendum at a polling station in Harare, capital of Zimbabwe, on March 16, 2013. Zimbabweans on Saturday started voting on the country's new constitution which will, for the first time, limit the term of a president. (Xinhua/Li Ping)

A woman votes at a polling station in Harare, Zimbabwe, March 16, 2013. Zimbabweans on Saturday started voting on the country's new constitution which will, for the first time, limit the term of a president. If the draft passes, it will replace the constitution written on the eve of the southern African country's independence from Britain in 1980 and paves way for the presidential and parliamentary elections later this year. (Xinhua/Li Ping)

International observers observe the voting process at a polling station in Harare, Zimbabwe, March 16, 2013. Zimbabweans on Saturday started voting on the country's new constitution which will, for the first time, limit the term of a president. If the draft passes, it will replace the constitution written on the eve of the southern African country's independence from Britain in 1980 and paves way for the presidential and parliamentary elections later this year. (Xinhua/Li Ping)

Staff members register the ballots at a a polling station in Harare, Zimbabwe, March 16, 2013. Zimbabweans on Saturday started voting on the country's new constitution which will, for the first time, limit the term of a president. If the draft passes, it will replace the constitution written on the eve of the southern African country's independence from Britain in 1980 and paves way for the presidential and parliamentary elections later this year. (Xinhua/Li Ping)