Azerbaijan votes on constitutional change

BAKU, Azerbaijan

Voting in a constitutional referendum in Azerbaijan began on Monday in a move which could increase presidents’ tenures from five to seven years.

Among 23 proposed constitutional changes and six new articles are plans to also give the head of state the right to call early elections plus the lifting of a rule excluding presidential candidates under the age of 35.

If the changes are passed new leadership positions will be created including a "First Vice Presidency" and a number of deputy presidents.

The new First Vice President position will also carry immunity from prosecution.

Azerbaijan's Central Election Committee released a statement Monday stating voting started at 8 a.m. local time (GMT 0400).

Over five million voters are registered to take part. Thirty-eight polling stations were set up for Azerbaijanis living abroad.

The referendum is being watched by 117 international observers; 53,300 local observers are also on duty.

Voting will end at 5 p.m. local time (GMT 1300).