Turkish lawmakers approved a controversial package of constitutional reforms that would hand sweeping powers to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

After almost three weeks of debate, the 18-article package -- known as the "power bill" -- was approved by the 339 Parliament members early Saturday morning, according to Sky News channel.

The new Constitution will now be put to referendum vote, likely to be held in April.

If the referendum passes, the reforms will turn Turkey's parliamentary system into a presidential one, effectively consolidating the power of three legislative bodies into one executive branch. It will abolish the role of prime minister while granting authority to the President to issue law, declare states of emergency, dismiss Parliament and to appoint ministers, public officials and half of the senior judges.

The bill would also allow Erdogan to extend his term in office until at least 2029.

Source: MENA