ICC NOTE: Today marks a new chapter for Azerbaijan as they go to the ballot box to vote on 29 separate proposed amendments to their constitution. It is not the first time they have done such a sweeping change to the document, but it is likely one of the largest power grabs by the current president for some time. The amendments would extend term limits from 5 to 7, reduce the age to run for office, create two vice presidential positions appointed by the president, and give the president power to dissolve parliament after two votes of no confidence. The new presidential powers would expand Aliyev’s already strong hand in the small country as well as place his family in key positions, including the new vice presidential positions. Christians and other religious minorities fear the moves will quell certain freedoms especially freedom of assembly and speech. 

9/26/2016 Azerbaijan (Radio Free Europe) – Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and his family have cast their ballots in a controversial referendum on constitutional amendments that are expected to strengthen the grip on power of Aliyev and his family.

The referendum includes 29 proposed amendments to the constitution.

Voters in the tightly controlled South Caucasus country won’t have to say “yes” or “no” to the whole package but instead may choose to approve or reject individual amendments.

The vote will be monitored by observers from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

As of noon on September 26, the country’s Central Election Commission reported that turnout was 30 percent, surpassing the 25 percent required to validate the referendum.

Speaking in Baku on September 26, Russian Federation Council member Ilyas Umakhanov, head of the CIS monitoring mission, said the referendum was “very well prepared,” adding that “former Soviet republics are exhibiting an innovative attitude and completely new norms of democratic development.”

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