Rwandans have voted overwhelmingly to allow President Paul Kagame to extend his term in office, initial referendum results show, the BBC News reported.

Some 98% of voters support changing the constitution to allow him to run again in 2017 after his second term ends, the National Electoral Commission said.

Kagame, 58, could remain in power until 2034 if the changes are passed.

The vote took place despite criticism of such an amendment by the US and other Western donors.

Rwanda's electoral commission said 21 out of 30 districts had published results so far, covering about 70% of voters.

Full results are due to be released later on Saturday.

Kagame has not said if he will run again, but he is widely expected to.

Source: MENA