n_Decides_To_Boycott_Referendum/1507924.html

Azer baijani Opposition To Boycott Referendum

March 11, 2009

BAKU — The Azerbaijani opposition has decided to boycott a
controversial national referendum on amendments to the constitution,
RFE/RL’s Azerbaijani Service reports.

Hasan Kerimov, deputy chairman of the Popular Front Party, says that
the united opposition group For Karabakh and Republic, of which
Kerimov’s party is a member, has decided it would be better to boycott
the referendum than to call on people to vote against the proposed
amendments.

The referendum is scheduled for March 18.

Azerbaijani authorities have touted the proposed amendments to the
constitution as measures to further democratize society.

The opposition says the amendments would strengthen the powers of
incumbent President Ilham Aliyev, who will be eligible for a third
term if the amendments are introduced.