Coordinating council of the opposition National Council of Democratic Forces of Azerbaijan has expressed serious concern by President Ilham Aliyev’s initiative to conduct a constitutional referendum on extending his powers.

As per the coordinating council members, the respective proposed constitutional amendments will lead to a seizure of power and further weakening of democratic institutions in Azerbaijan, according to Contact.az news agency of the country.

According to Azerbaijani media, the relevant constitutional amendments propose the extension of the president’s term in office to seven years. In addition, the President will be given powers to conduct early presidential election. The document also provides for the introduction of the institution of the Vice President, whom the President of Azerbaijan will appoint and dismiss.