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Kazakhstan votes

on stronger powers

for Nazarbayev

ALMATY: Kazakhstan voted on Wednesday on a draft constitution which, although democratic in form, could make it almost impossible to remove President Nursultan Nazarbayev from power.

A confident-looking Nazarbayev turned out to vote at mid-morning in the capital of the former Soviet republic, quipping "We trust in God" when asked what result he expected.

He promised a raft of legislation to make the constitution work. A law on elections would come first, then parliamentary polls, he told reporters.

Under the draft the president can dissolve parliament if it expresses no-confidence in the government or twice rejects his nominee for prime minister, and wins special powers to call a state of emergency or rule by decree for one year.

Parliament can only oust him if he is incapacitated by illness or is found to have committed treason.

Asked about Wednesday's referendum on the constitution, he replied: "Today all Kazakhstan is taking part in a very great political act. It is a constitution for the people, so the people should express their opinion."

Nazarbayev, 55, has ruled by decree since parliament was dissolved in March after its election was ruled illegal. In April 95 percent of voters backed a referendum to extend his term to 2000.

In a region where referendums typically produce massive "Yes" votes the result of the latest poll is not in doubt. Even Election Commission chairman Yuri Kim has said he expected a big vote for the draft.

"I expect over 80 percent will participate, and from this figure 85 to 87 percent will say yes," Kim told Reuters.-Reuter