Opposition wants new Kenya election

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Opposition leaders in Kenya want President Mwai Kibaki to call an early election following the defeat of a proposed constitution.

William Ruto, secretary-general of the Kanu Party, told the BBC that the vote has "discredited" the current parliament.

The BBC said voter opposition to the new post of prime minister and disenchantment with Kibaki's performance as president contributed to the no vote. In early results, 57 percent voted against the constitutional referendum while 43 percent voted for it.

"This parliament is now discredited and the president must dissolve it to pave the way for the people of Kenya to elect representatives with a new mandate," Ruto said.

Alfred Mutua, a spokesman for the government, said the opposition is "just looking for power."