Dhaka: Tunisia`s national assembly has approved the country`s new constitution, three years after the overthrow of the North African country`s long-time ruler Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali.

Sunday`s vote by an overwhelming majority of assembly members marks another crucial step to getting the democratic transition back on track in the birthplace of the Arab Spring.

The vote came close on the heels of an announcement by Mehdi Jomaa, the prime minister, of a new caretaker cabinet to govern the country until elections reported.

The new constitution, seen as one of the most progressive in the region, guarantees equal rights for men and women.

It also demands that the state protect the environment and tackle corruption.

Executive power is also divided between the prime minister, who will have the dominant role, and the president, who retains important prerogatives, notably in defence and foreign affairs.

Islam is not mentioned as a source of legislation, although it is recognised as the nation`s religion and the state is committed to "prohibiting any attacks on the sacred", while freedom of conscience is guaranteed.

Earlier, members of parliament amended three articles in the draft text, before ratifying changes to the rules of the assembly`s confidence vote, to facilitate the appointment of the caretaker cabinet which must win parliamentary backing.

Source: Al Jazeera
BDST: 1111 HRS, JAN 27, 2014