Demonstrators in Paraguay have set fire to the country's Congress amid violent protests against a bill that would let the president seek re-election, the BBC reported.

The head of the main opposition party said an activist had been shot dead.

The country's 1992 constitution, introduced after 35 years of dictatorship, limits the president to a single five-year term.

But sitting President Horacio Cartes is trying to remove the restriction and run for re-election.

Protesters were photographed smashing in windows of the congress building in Asuncion on Friday night and setting fire to the interior.

Earlier, the crowd took to the streets following a private meeting of 25 senators - a slight majority of the house - which approved a bill to amend the constitution.

Opponents say the bill will weaken the country's democratic institutions.

Opposition senator Desiree Masi said: "A coup has been carried out. We will resist and we invite the people to resist with us."

Source: MENA