31.   Voters on Sunday were asked whether they wanted reforms that would ensure fair elections and curtail some powers of autocratic President Omar Bongo.

32.   Without mentioning names, the Bishop suggested politicians whose powers would be curtailed by the reforms were behind the bombings.

33.   The national press meanwhile voiced fear that the new system would undermine parliamentary sovereignty and curtail powers of the future civilian governments.

34.   The president has held Uday personally responsible for the defections, and curtailed his powers following an abortive mission to entice the defectors home.

35.   The constitution curtails presidential powers, and guarantees freedom of assembly, religion and the press.