Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his wife cast votes for a new constitution in Damascus.<br/> <br />The new constitution would drop an article making Assad's party the leader of state and society, allow political pluralism and limit the president to two seven-year terms .<br/> <br />This limit - however - would not apply retroactively, so Assad could serve another two terms after his current term expires in 2014, keeping him in power until 2028.<br/> <br />As some Syrians voted, others appeared to be under attack.<br/> <br />Amateur video obtained online - which cannot be independently verified by Reuters - purports to show shelling in Homs, a flashpoint in the revolt against four decades of Assad family rule.<br/> <br />Human rights groups say at least 131 people were killed in Syria this weekend.<br/> <br />This is Syria's third referendum since Assad inherited power.<br/> <br />The first made him president in 2000 with a 97 percent 'Yes' vote.<br/> <br />The second renewed his term seven years later with nearly 98 percent voting 'Yes.'<br/> <br />Katharine Jackson, Reuters.
