Poll points to Lukashenko win

MINSK - A high poll in a controversial referendum in Belarus appeared to point to victory for plans by the hardline President, Mr Alexander Lukashenko, to rewrite the country's constitution and tighten his grip, as overnight counting got under way today. Officials, speaking after the 6,500 polling stations closed last night, said the turnout was likely to top 84 per cent, Russia's Itar Tass news agency reported.