24/03/2016 (Agence Europe) - EU hails outcome of constitutional referendum. The constitutional referendum passed off well and, on Thursday 24 March, the EU congratulated Senegal on this and welcomed the outcome. The turn-out was low - only 38.26% of Senegalese voters took part - but the majority backed the proposals made by President Macky Sall for amending the country's constitution. According to results published on Wednesday, 62.70% of those who voted supported the proposals. In future, presidential terms of office will fall from seven to five years, new powers will be given to the national assembly and new rights, such as the right to a healthy environment, will be guaranteed. The EU says, in a press release issued by the spokesperson for EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, that “the body of amendments adopted are a step in the right direction towards stronger democratic institutions and the rule of law”. (JK)