The military government in Mali has adopted a new constitution that enhances the powers of the president and the armed forces.
It also creates a senate and demotes French from an official to a working language.
Mali has been ruled by a junta since 2020.
The opposition movement has denounced the reforms, which the electoral commission says were backed by 97% of votes cast in last month's referendum.
The official body said turnout was 38%.
Critics fear these changes make it easier for generals to break their promise of handing power back to civilian leaders after a presidential election in February 2024.
The new constitution means Interim President Col Assimi Goïta can now dictate government policy and has the power to dissolve parliament.
A legal case to have the referendum results annulled, because the vote was not held in all parts of Mali, was rejected by the constitutional court.
"Numerous irregularities" and "violations of the law" also meant the referendum result should be thrown out, according to Mali's opposition movement - made up of political parties and civil society organisations.
It has been labelled "a plot on democracy" by Ismaël Sacko - the leader of the Social Democratic Party which was last month dissolved by the junta. He told Mali's judiciary "to get its act together", AFP reports.
There was huge popular support for the military junta when it seized power after mass protests against then-President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta three years ago. People were fed up with economic uncertainty, a disputed election and chronic insecurity.
Since then, data suggests Mali's military government has made little progress in its fightback against Islamists who control parts of the country.
But the government says the new constitution will stop the spread of the 11-year jihadist insurgency.
Mali recently decided to kick out all 12,000 UN peacekeepers in the country and is thought to employ 1,000 Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group for security back-up.
France's soldiers were ordered to leave last year and there has been rising resentment of the former colonial power and its present-day relationship with Mali, and West Africa more broadly.
Latest Stories
-
Social media users react to over 9-hour rain-induced traffic congestion on Kasoa stretch
4 mins -
Your allegations against EOCO borne out of pure hatred – Adam Bonaa told
10 mins -
Akufo-Addo celebrates Ghanaian mothers for sacrifices and commitment to nationhood
12 mins -
I need your prayers and support for victory – Bawumia to religious bodies
14 mins -
George Afriyie uncertain about another GFA presidential attempt
17 mins -
Female judges key to eradication of negative cultural practices – Akufo-Addo
21 mins -
Renal patients call for help as dialysis cost hits GH¢491
31 mins -
The Cedi’s depreciation this year better than last year – Finance Minister
34 mins -
Africa must reimagine growth on its terms – Bawumia
43 mins -
Finance Minister forecasts 15% inflation rate by close of 2024
53 mins -
John Eduafo dreams of taking Bofoakwa Tano to CAF Confederation Cup
54 mins -
2024 Elections: Bawumia takes ‘house-to-house’ campaign to North East Region
57 mins -
8 type of bras to wear with backless dresses
1 hour -
Wamkele Mene predicts Africa’s economy will reach $16.3 trillion by 2050
1 hour -
‘Don’t take the country’s peace for granted’ -Otumfuo to Ghanaians
1 hour