Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

The Central Election Commission (CEC) has started distribution of ballots to the District Election Commissions (DECs) in connection with a vote at the upcoming referendum to be held on September 26.

At the event, held in the printing house of the Azerbaijani Parliament attended by CEC members, management, Secretariat staff, Chairmen and Secretaries of the DECs, all conditions were created for the participation of representatives of international and foreign organizations, the media and others who are interested in it.

Ballots for 36 constituencies were transferred to their representatives on the basis of the act, indicating the number, date and time of issue of ballots.

The process of ballots edition began from August 8 after the approval of requirements for the text, form, number and rules for preparation of ballots in connection with the popular vote (referendum). More than 5 million ballots were issued by decision of the Commission.

In accordance with the Electoral Code, the ballots will be transferred to precinct election commissions three days prior to the voting.

As of September 7, the CEC has registered 846 observers for the upcoming referendum, and 37,429 observers on the polling stations.

September 26, 2016, was set as the date for the referendum on proposed changes to the constitution of Azerbaijan and it was announced as a non-working day across the country.

In a bill recently sent to the Constitutional Court, President Ilham Aliyev proposed amendments to 29 Articles of Azerbaijan’s current constitution. The changes envisage the extension of the presidential term from five to seven years, the establishment of the first vice-president and vice-president positions in the country as well as the cancel of minimum age limit for presidential candidates, and dissolution of parliament by the president.

The League of Protection of Labor rights, Center for Aid and independent advice "For Civil Society" and, Independent Research Center ELS passed registration to conduct Exit Poll.

Final results of the Referendum will be announced until October 21.

The last time changes to the Constitution were made seven years ago, following Constitutional referendum held in 2009.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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