The referendum on constitutional amendments in Azerbaijan has ended with results that were to be expected in this eastern “monarchy.”

As per chairman Mazahir Panahov of the Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan, according to preliminary data, a total of 91.2 percent of the Azerbaijani constituents voted for extending the presidential term of office from five to seven years, reported the Azerbaijani media.

In addition, 89.3 percent voted for introducing the institution of First Vice President and other vice presidents; 91 percent—lifting the minimum age limit for presidential candidates; and 88.3 percent—lifting the minimum age limit for parliamentary candidates.

The initiator of this referendum was Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev.

Thirty amendments to the Constitution were put to the vote in this plebiscite. They included the extension of the presidential term of office from five to seven years, the introduction of the institution of vice presidents whom the President himself shall appoint, and the abolition of minimum age limits for presidents and MPs of Azerbaijan. 

Thus, Aliyev seeks to create legal grounds for transferring power over to his family members through succession. 

The Azerbaijani political opposition has informed about numerous irregularities during Monday’s referendum.