The reforms, passed by 182 votes to 10 at the IAAF Special Congress, include the introduction of new independent anti-doping, integrity and disciplinary functions as well as a greater gender balance and voice for athletes.

The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) was among five National Federations not to vote either way.

"I was very shocked I actually learned about that today," nine-time Olympic champion Bolt told Reuters afterwards.

"I find it ridiculous and funny at the same time to know that the IAAF is trying to take big steps like this to make the sport better and we [Jamaica] are doing so very well in the sports, why would we not support it in going in the right direction?

"So it was kind of a let down to know that the JAAA did not support it."

The reforms were billed as a way to reform the world governing body in the wake of a corruption scandal under former President Lamine Diack.

It is alleged that under him the IAAF accepted payments in return for the covering up of failed drugs tests.

Transferring more power from the President to a newly formed IAAF Executive Board was another change approved in the public vote.

Senegal, the country from which Diack comes from, and IAAF vice-president Sergey Bubka's home nation of Ukraine were among others to abstain.

The other 10 votes against the reform package came from Benin, Bahrain, Chad, Gambia, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Laos, Malaysia,  Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Oman and Uzbekistan also opted not to vote.

Russia were unable to vote as the country remains suspended from the IAAF due to evidence of state-sponsored doping in the country.

"I think people should respect the right of every federation to look at the package and do what they think is best," JAAA President Warren Blake told Reuters when asked to explain the decision.

"A lot of people have criticised us for not voting but I would say to the people go and look at the constitution and exactly what the changes were."