Uzbeks vote on constitutional changes that extend president's time in power
Polls opened early Sunday in Uzbekistan's constitutional referendum, which could allow President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to remain in power until 2040, AFP reports.
Authorities say the overhaul of the constitution will improve governance and quality of life in the Central Asian country of 35 million people, whose rights have long been heavily restricted.
But it is Mirziyoyev who is expected to benefit most in the majority-Muslim country, say political observers.
Polling stations opened at 8:00 am (0300 GMT), according to the Uzbek Election Commission. They will close at 8:00 pm.
One of the main reforms is expected to be extending presidential terms from five to seven years; and allow the 65-year-old Mirziyoyev to serve two more terms and extend his time in power until 2040.
There is little doubt the amendments will be adopted, in a country where the media is heavily controlled.
The government has gone to some lengths to give the vote a veneer of legitimacy, enrolling local celebrities at large rallies and concerts to praise both the proposals and the president.
