Kyrgyzstan votes on constitutional changes

By Nezir Aliyev

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (AA) - Kyrgyz voters head to the polls Sunday in a constitutional referendum which includes amendments that boost the power of prime minister.

The polls across the country opened at 8.00 a.m. local time (0200GMT) as 2.5 million people are registered to vote, according to the Central Election Commission.

It is the seventh time the citizens of the ex-Soviet country vote on constitutional changes, which have been heavily criticized by rights groups.

If passed, the premier will benefit from new powers relating to budget legislation and will not need parliamentary or presidential consent to appoint and dismiss ministers.