Updated

Armenians are set to cast ballots in parliamentary elections, the first vote since the ex-Soviet nation has modified its constitution to expand powers of parliament and prime minister.

Polls show the party of Armenia's president in the lead for Sunday's parliamentary election that is the first vote since the ex-Soviet nation has modified its constitution to expand powers of parliament and prime minister.

Critics have seen the amendments as part of efforts by President Serzh Sargsyan to retain control of the country after he steps down in 2018 due to term limits.

Sargsyan, who has led Armenia since 2008, has rejected the allegations, describing the constitutional changes approved in a 2015 referendum as a step toward strengthening democracy.

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