Azerbaijan: Bloggers react to controversial referendum

Yesterday, Azerbaijan went to the polls to vote on amendments to the country’s constitution less than six months after its president, Ilham Aliyev, won re-election to a second term in office.

Overwhelmingly passed from the votes counted so far, the changes — and especially one lifting the two-term limit on the presidency — stirred up controversy from the very beginning.

Critics, as well as blogs such as Democracy Digest, warned that the referendum was not only paving the way for Aliyev to consolidate power, but also to retain the presidency indefinitely.

On polling day, Thoughts on the road called the referendum a predictable step backwards for democracy.

Today citizens of Azerbaijan can vote on the proposal to amend the nation’s constitution. This change is being done to give the citizens more freedom - the freedom to provide their unlimited support for the current president - Ilham Aliyev. (This is how the president himself has characterized the initiative!)

[…]

[…] As in the presidential election, everyone knew the vote that was desired by the president and his ruling party - and it would be really amazing if the electorate did not provide this vote.

One way or another.

The full post where comments can be left is is available on Global Voices Online.