Al Jazeera English published this video item, entitled “Kyrgyzstan votes on constitution boosting president’s powers” – below is their description.
People in Kyrgyzstan are voting on proposed changes to the constitution.
President Sadyr Japarov called for the referendum after months of political turmoil.
The draft new constitution would reduce the size of the country’s parliament by 25 percent to 90 seats and give the president the power to appoint judges and heads of law enforcement agencies.
Critics say President Japarov’s proposed changes to the 2010 constitution show he is trying to impose a more authoritarian form of rule – one which weakens checks and balances needed to prevent abuses of power.
Al Jazeera’s Charles Stratford reports from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
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Al Jazeera English YouTube Channel
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