DUSHANBE (Sputnik) – The amendments allow President Emomali Rahmon to stand for unlimited reelection, lower the candidates’ age qualification to 30 years and ban creating parties on a national and religious basis, as well as foreign financing.
"The referendum is considered valid, because more than 50 percent of the population eligible to vote has already voted," electoral commission chief Bachtiyor Khudoerzoda said live on state television.
Khudoerzoda said polls would stay open until 15:00 GMT.
A total of 4.3 million ballots in four languages have been printed and distributed this week across 324,000 polling stations, 68 constituencies, and 36 stations in 29 countries, including Russia.
The question submitted on the ballot states: "Do you accept the amendments and addendums made to the country’s constitution?" Tajik citizens are offered to answer "yes" or "no."
Preliminary results are expected to be announced at 05:00 GMT on Monday.
