Azerbaijan, Baku, March 19 / Trend , N.Abdullayeva/
The CIS observers said that the referendum held in Azerbaijan complied with country's legislation and general approaches to organizing and hosting a popular vote, CIS observation mission said in a final statement.
On March 18, Azerbaijan held a referendum to amend 29 Articles of the Constitution.
"Elections were held democratically under the legislative guidelines. The media widely covered preparations for the referendum. Activities of campaign groups were open. All groups were provided with equal conditions. This is an important factor for democratization of Azerbaijan and strengthening the sovereignty of the republic," CIS referendum observation mission head Toktasym Buzubayev told journalists on March 19.
Observers said the referendum was free and open and noted that "it is an important factor for further democratization of public life in Azerbaijan, has strengthened the foundation of sovereignty and is a reflection of stable sustained socio-economic development", the mission said.
Observers visited constituencies in 12 cities and towns and noted that all polling stations had been provided with necessary facilities and documents. They acknowledged the work of the CEC as effective and stated that voting was calm and active.
The Constitution was adopted in 1995. Amendments and additions were made in 2002.
According to the Central Elections Commission, 87-92 percent of voters supported all amendments to 29 articles of the Azerbaijani Constitution.
The referendum proposes to replace the current edition of the 5th paragraph of Article 101 of the Azerbaijani Constitution, which states that "no person shall be elected President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for more than two consecutive terms", by an option extending incumbent President's office term in case when ongoing military operations during a war make it impossible to conduct a regular presidential election. The term of office of Azerbaijani President is 5 years. The incumbent President Ilham Aliyev was elected to the post in 2003 and 2008.
A total of 41 amendments to 29 articles are planned to be made in the Constitution. The amendments envisage postponement of parliamentary elections in case of military operations, right of legislative initiative to 40,000 voters, ban on keeping video and audio recording and photographing a person against his will, financial support to ex-presidents of Azerbaijan, as well as technical changes.
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