President Robert Mugabe Signs New Constitution To trim Presidential Powers

President Robert Mugabe has cleared the path to crucial elections later this year by signing Zimbabwe's new constitution into law.
The 89-year-old, who has ruled Zimbabwe since independence from Britain in 1980, signed the document two months after it was overwhelmingly approved by Zimbabweans at a referendum.
"This is a happening of joy, great joy indeed," Mr Mugabe said at the signing ceremony, held in a marquee erected on the lush green lawns of the State House.
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai also welcomed the constitution's passage into law, saying: "As Zimbabweans we are proud that we are setting on a journey that is based on a new governance system."
After the President signed the text he shook hands with Mr Tsvangirai, to loud applause from assembled ministers and lawmakers.

Mr Mugabe kisses his wife at independence celebrations last month

Despite the show of solidarity, the handshake effectively signals the start of an election campaign that will once again see the rivals pitted against each other.
The Prime Minister has challenged the President for the presidency twice before, with often bloody results.
International observers described Mr Mugabe's victory in 2002 as deeply flawed, and in 2008 the vote was plagued by violence and irregularities.
After the latest poll, both men were forced into a shaky power-sharing government that has largely succeeded in preventing further unrest, but which has been hobbled by infighting.
As part of a broader deal the pair were also pressed to adopt a new constitution that, now passed, significantly trims the president's powers and paves the way for fair elections.
Presidents will now be limited to two five-year terms and the post of prime minister will be scrapped when a new government is voted in.
But there are doubts that reforms can be implemented quickly enough to ensure a fair election.
Mr Mugabe's 33-year-rule, at first celebrated as enlightened, has in recent decades been tainted by rights abuses against his opponents and critics.
The arrest and persecution of opposition and rights activists has continued apace as election day approaches.