Moscow - Azeris went to the polls in droves Wednesday to vote on whether to scrap term limits for President Ilham Aliyev and extend the family's dynastic rule over oil-rich Azerbaijan.

Opposition forces called for a boycott of the vote, but Azeri elections authorities reported a high turnout in the referendum almost certain to secure Aliyev's a prolonged seat in power. There is 25 per cent threshold for the constitutional amendment to hold.

Aliyev succeed his father Geidar, a former Communist party leader, in 2003 marking over four decades of the family's strong-arm rule over the Caspian state of 8.7 million.

The parliament in December overwhelmingly backed lifting a ban on third term presidencies meaning that Aliyev, 47, can run again for the country's top office when his term ends in 2013 and beyond.

Aliyev has presided over a stunning growth rate of near 30 per cent in recent years, fuelled by the country's deep oil-wealth.

The United States and European Union play court to the Azeri leader, who governs over one of the world's most strategic energy transit routes supplying Caspian and Central Asian gas to Europe.

But both have expressed concern over the lack of political freedoms in the country.

Government critics say the Aliyev family has built up a cult of personality and muzzled the opposition by monopolizing the media, harassing vote observer and manipulating the polls.

Official results are expected several hours after the polls close at 1900 local time (1500 GMT). (dpa)