Low turnout in Ivory Coast referendum

Vote counting continues in Ivory Coast where 6 million, 300 thousand voters were expected to vote in Sunday’s referendum for a new constitution.

According to the country’s electoral commission results would be known by Tuesday.

Turnout was low in the capital Abidjan as voters decided whether to approve a new constitution that President Alassane Ouattara argues will guarantee peace in the wake of years of political turmoil.

Voters have had just two and a half weeks to review the 184-article draft constitution.

Interior Minister Hamed Bakayoko said security had to be reinforced in some areas after violence erupted in about 100 polling stations in Abidjan and western Ivory Coast.

He said the incidents are not expected to have any impact on the poll results.

Reuters