Azerbaijan Votes on Controversial Referendum
Azerbaijanis voted on a controversial referendum to expand executive powers. President Aliyev unexpectedly proposed the referendum in July. It extends presidential terms from 5 to 7 years and allows the president to dismiss parliament. According to Central Election Chairman Panahov, the referendum is “aimed at protecting stability”. More powers and longer terms may allow Aliyev to heal the country's ailing, oil-dependent economy. Economic Forum reports that term limits on the presidency were abolished in a 2009 referendum in order to prevent instability following the economic crisis in 2008.
Protesters have been rallying against the referendum in Baku since September. According to BBC News, activists opposing the measure fear that Aliyev will use the referendum to increase his family's monopoly on power. Members of the Aliyev family have held the presidency since 1993.
Many citizens believe the president is seeking to create a modern form of monarchy. One clause of the referendum lowers the age limit required to be president. Protesters and opposition party leaders have speculated that this measure is intended to allow Aliyev’s 19-year-old son to succeed him.
A majority of citizens, however, support Aliyev. For many, Aliyev’s leadership during an economic boom that lasted from 2003 to 2007 has overshadowed his poor human rights record. According to Human Rights Watch, “torture and ill-treatment continue with impunity” in Azerbaijan. Aided by state-controlled media, restrictions on the right to free assembly, and the arrest of opposition party leaders, the referendum will likely pass.
Pro-democracy and human rights groups such as Amnesty International and the Council of Europe have criticized the referendum. According to Azerbaijan's state news source, AZERTAC, however, most acknowledge that voting has been closely monitored, transparent, and free. According to Lenta.Ru, 91.2% of Azerbaijani citizens voted in favor of increasing the powers of the executive. The Central Elections Committee of Azerbaijan announced the referendum results on September 26.