Counting has begun after a referendum in Uzbekistan that, if passed, would allow the current president to stay in power until 2040, Ednews informs via Euronews.
Officials began counting ballots on Sunday after polls closed in Uzbekistan's referendum on a revised constitution that promises human rights reforms but also would allow the country's president to stay in office until 2040.
Approval appears certain.
Backers conducted an array of promotional events featuring local celebrities, and elections in Uzbekistan are widely regarded as non competitive.
The proposed changes include lengthening the presidential term from five to seven years, while retaining the existing two-term limit.
Although President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is in his second term, the change in term length would allow him to run twice more after his current tenure ends in 2026.
