Kyrgyz lawmakers vote for referendum on constitutional change
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 2 November 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Kyrgyz lawmakers vote for referendum on constitutional change, 2 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5975a1cd13.html [accessed 4 November 2019] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
November 02, 2016
Critics say the proposed constitutional changes are aimed at extending President Almazbek Atambaev's grip on power. (file photo)
Kyrgyz lawmakers have approved plans to hold a national referendum on December 11 on controversial constitutional changes.
The law setting the referendum date passed the third and final reading by a majority of votes on November 2.
If passed, the constitutional changes would strengthen the powers of the prime minister, a move President Almazbek Atambaev's opponents say is aimed at extending his grip on power.
The constitution bars Atambaev from running for a second presidential term when his mandate ends next year, and critics say the proposed reform would enable him to become a powerful prime minister.
Last week, the government resigned after Atambaev's Social Democratic Party quit the ruling coalition because some partners refused to support the proposed constitutional changes.
With reporting by Reuters and Interfax
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
