Chechens sceptical over 'vote for peace'

Chechens are being told they can bring peace to their bloodstained patch of southern Russia with a vote for a new regional constitution today.

The Kremlin has advertised the referendum on the constitution, designed to cement Chechnya's place within Russia, as the key to peace. Critics contend it cannot supplant negotiations with separatists and say no fair vote is possible while the war rages.

Chechens are sceptical about the prospects for peace, but after a decade of war and lawlessness, many say they will try anything.

Russian forces fought an unsuccessful 1994-96 war against Chechen separatists. The Russians took control of most of Chechnya three years ago, but they still suffer daily guerrilla attacks.

Little is said about the content of the constitution, drafted under the guidance of Akhmad Kadyrov, the chief of Chechnya's Moscow-backed administration.

If it is passed, Kadyrov becomes acting president. Presidential elections could be held six months later, and parliamentary elections three months after that. However, the constitution sets no deadline for those votes – raising the spectre that the Moscow-appointed administration could rule indefinitely. (AP)