International observers consider referendum in Azerbaijan held transparently
By Gunay Hasanova
The ongoing referendum on amendments to the Constitution of Azerbaijan Republic is rated very highly by international observers.
As many as 117 international observers – MPs from around 35 countries as well as observers from various international organizations, including the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) – have been accredited by Azerbaijan’s Central Election Commission (CEC) to observe the referendum.
The referendum is conducted in accordance with the legislation, said Luke Simpkins, a member of the Australian parliament and observation mission.
Simpkins noted that the mission has not observed any cases of violation of law during the referendum.
"The voter turnout is quite high," he added.
Head of the delegation, Senator, Chairman of France-Caucasus Friendship Group Andre Richard also said that he was pleased to observe the referendum in Azerbaijan.
He stressed that the referendum was held in line with European standards, adding that the elections were well-organized.
Moreover, the member of the UK Parliament Lord David Evans, who monitored the referendum on Constitutional amendments in Azerbaijan, has hailed methodology used in the voting process.
“I was here for your last election, and I was able to visit a number of polling stations and was impressed with the methodology that you used here,” he said.
An employee of Ukraine`s Central Election Commission Sergey Dubovik has said no frauds or irregularities have been registered during the voting in Azerbaijan's referendum.
“We have already visited nearly 12 polling stations including in the central part of Baku and outskirts. There is a similar environment everywhere. All standards and principles of the election code of the Republic of Azerbaijan are taken into account.”
He also hailed the preparedness of members of constituencies.
The members of observer missions of International organizations consider the referendum held transparently as well.
The referendum to amend Azerbaijan’s Constitution is being held transparently, Carmen Quintanilla, a Spanish MP, and a member of the European People’s Party (EPP) delegation said.
“People are very pleased with the voting process,” she said, adding that Azerbaijani people are voting for their democracy and freedom.
In turn, PACE mission consisting of seven people will present its final report regarding the observation of the referendum within one or two months. The mission, who is in Baku to assess the referendum, will reveal its initial findings on September 27.
Meanwhile, the turnout at the nationwide vote in Azerbaijan stood at 53.8 percent as of 15:00.
TurkPA Secretary General Jandos Asanov who is observing the referendum in Azerbaijan also said that People of Azerbaijan are consciously approaching to the referendum to amend the Constitution and are exercising their right to vote.
The voting will wrap up at 19:00 (UTC/GMT +4). Final results of the nationwide vote will be announced until October 21.
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