Azerbaijanis Vote On Boosting President's Powers

Azerbaijanis have started voting in a controversial referendum on boosting presidential powers, with opposition and rights groups denouncing the proposed amendments as a move to expand President Ilham Aliyev's grip on power.

If passed, the referendum would extend the president's term in office from five to seven years, would introduce a new position of first vice president - who would become the country's second most powerful leader, instead of the prime minister as is the case now.