Azerbaijan referendum to give more powers to Aliyev

Azerbaijan held a referendum on 26 September 2016 on whether to boost the power of President Ilham Aliyev, in office since 2003.

The plan includes lowering the age limit for presidential candidates, creating a strong vice-presidency and extending the presidential term.

Voters strongly supported these constitutional amendments.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Azerbaijan calls September referendum on greater presidential powers http://www.europeansources.info/record/azerbaijan-calls-september-referendum-on-greater-presidential-powers/

BBC News, 26.09.16: Azerbaijan votes on plan to boost presidential powers http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-37469853

The Wall Street Journal, 26.09.16: Azerbaijan Holds Vote on President’s Powers http://www.wsj.com/articles/azerbaijan-holds-vote-on-presidents-powers-1474916514

Deutsche Welle, 27.09.16: Azerbaijan voters back stronger powers for president http://dw.com/p/2Qcj8

Euronews, 26.09.16: Azerbaijan referendum to extend presidential term underway http://www.euronews.com/2016/09/26/azerbaijan-referendum-to-extend-presidential-term-underway

Amnesty International: Azerbaijan: Assaults on freedom of expression mar constitutional referendum https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2016/09/azerbaijan-assaults-on-freedom-of-expression-mar-constitutional-referendum/

Sputnik International, 26.09.16: Azerbaijan Constitution Referendum Valid With 30.6% Turnout http://sptnkne.ws/cqmV

EU: EEAS: Statement, 27.09.16: Referendum on changes to the Constitution of Azerbaijan http://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/10667/referendum-on-changes-to-the-constitution-of-azerbaijan_en

EurActiv, 28.09.16: Aliyev says Azerbaijan stronger after referendum http://www.euractiv.com/section/europe-s-east/news/aliyev-says-azerbaijan-stronger-after-referendum/

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