Police in Senegal have used tear gas to disperse protesters demonstrating against a draft election law that opponents say would make it easier for the president to be re-elected.

VOA's correspondent in Dakar says protesters Wednesday destroyed a bus near the Place de Independence, a large square in the capital. He says riot police broke up the demonstrations with tear gas and that officers are posted throughout the city.

Reports from Senegal say there were also protests in the Dakar suburb of Pikine, and the central city of Kaolack.

Senegal's National Assembly is to vote Thursday on a law proposed by the ruling party that would lower the percentage of votes a winning candidate needs to avoid an election runoff. Opponents say the change would favor Senegal's incumbent President Abdoulaye Wade.

The proposed law would also create a new post of vice president, which opponents believe is intended for Mr. Wade's son.

The U.S. embassy in Dakar warned Americans in the city about more demonstrations on Thursday. It urged U.S. citizens to avoid crowds, saying the protests could quickly turn violent.