Critics of a new constitution proposed by the Kenyan government have taken an early lead following a historic nationwide referendum, according to provisional results released by the country's electoral body on Tuesday.

With several ballots counted, the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) said the opponents of the draft charter held a 59.8 percent of the vote compared to 40.2 percent for the supporters.

Earlier numbers given by the ECK had "No" votes garnering 3,018, 141 votes, outpacing "Yes" votes by only a 19-percent margin (2, 025,959).

"The draft charter appears to have been rejected in several constituencies and where votes have been counted so far," ECK commissioner Jack Tumwa said.

The results have been counted in 144 constituencies out of Kenya's 210 and the finally result is due on Tuesday.

Turnout is believed to have been high, though the exact figure is not known.

According to the ECK, a simple majority will decide whether or not the new charter is accepted, after a referendum campaign that has split the cabinet and the nation.

But early results show that majority of voters countrywide except in Central province and some parts of Eastern province are against the new constitution, the first major overhaul to Kenya's founding document since it won independence from Britain in 1963.

The election commission said the voting was generally peaceful and had gone pretty smoothly.

ECK Chairman Samuel Kivuitu said voting proceeded satisfactorily.

"There were small problems here and there, but those of us who have seen many elections, I will say that we Kenyans have done well," Kivuitu said.

Police spokesman Jaspher Ombati said over 20 people had been arrested in connection with different election offenses and police were continuing investigations.

The debate on Kenya's draft constitution has split President Mwai Kibaki's administration.

The most obvious split has been within Kibaki's shaky coalition, with at least seven ministers joining ranks with the opposition to campaign for a "No" vote, while the president and his supporters promote the "Yes" vote.

Opponents say the draft constitution would do little to curb the all-powerful presidency or alter the system of government.

Supporters say the president would be more answerable to parliament.

Analysts say the campaign could be a defining moment for Kibaki 's ruling National Rainbow Coalition (NARC).

The NARC won in 2002 on a wave of euphoria after 24 years of rule by strongman president Daniel arap Moi, but now is in a precarious position because of growing public dissatisfaction.

Source: Xinhua