Uzbekistan votes on constitution changes that extend president’s tenure

Shavkat Mirziyoyev could stay in office until 2040 under the changes (Uzbekistan’s Presidential Press Office/AP)

Voters in Uzbekistan are casting ballots in a referendum on a revised constitution that promises human rights reforms but will also allow the country’s president to stay in office until 2040.

With elections in Uzbekistan widely regarded as non-competitive, approval appears certain and supporters of the changes have conducted an array of promotional events featuring local celebrities.