Nairobi - Provisional results continuing Thursday to come in showed that Kenyans appear to have overwhelmingly approved a new constitution that is part of a reform process aimed at preventing election-related bloodshed.

With three-quarters of the votes counted, 67 per cent had cast their ballots in favour of the new constitution, according to provisional figures released by the Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC).

The referendum, held under tight security, was the first national vote since more than 1,300 people died in tribal clashes that followed opposition accusations the December 2007 presidential elections were rigged in favour of President Mwai Kibaki.

One of the major sparks for the previous violence was a delay in announcing the results, which led to the rigging suspicions. This time, provisional results are being electronically broadcast to the national tallying centre, from where the figures are broadcast live.

Turnout among the 12.5 million Kenyans registered to vote was high, with many polling stations seeing long lines. Final results are expected within 48 hours of the polls closing.

Some 64,000 security officers have been deployed around the country, with particular focus on the Rift Valley, which was the scene of much of the violence at the presidential elections and is viewed by many as a potential flashpoint as results come in.

However, worries over more violence have proven unfounded so far.

The constitution, which would replace the document created after Kenya gained independence from Britain in 1963, aims to peg back the power of the president through establishing a two-tier parliament and decentralizing power.

Many believe that transferring some control from the executive branch would reduce the stakes in future presidential elections. In the past, whichever tribe has gained control of the presidency has seen great benefit.

The constitution also paves the way for land reform - a contentious issue in Kenya.

Much of the opposition to the constitution has been led by Christian church leaders, who are angry at over the inclusion of clauses allowing abortion on medical grounds and legitimizing Kadhi courts - Muslim courts which deal with largely family matters.

By Staff reporter and agencies