CIS OBSERVERS PRAISE AZERBAIJAN`S REFERENDUM AS FREE, TRANSPARENT AND DEMOCRATIC
Baku, March 19 (AZERTAC). Azerbaijan`s referendum to make supplements and amendments to the Constitution was free, transparent and democratic, members of a CIS observation mission told journalists here on Thursday.
Toktasin Buzubayev, the head of the 53-man mission, said “all necessary conditions were created for international observers who were monitoring the nationwide referendum.”
“What we concluded is that the referendum met Azerbaijan`s legal norms and international standards”
“We also praise the pre-referendum actions to enlighten the people” said Buzubayev.
Deputy Chairperson of Russia`s Federation Council Svetlana Orlova said “we started to work month before the referendum by examining preparatory work in many polling stations both in capital Baku and regions of the country.”
Orlova said the nationwide vote was well-organized and met international standards.
She also praised the recommended supplements and amendments to the constitution, saying “what drew out attention were provisions protecting the rights of children and mothers.”
“Azerbaijan`s fair and transparent referendum lays grounds for organizing international seminars on elections here in the future. I am very satisfied” said Orlova.
Anatoly Lokotin, an observer, said “we registered no irregularities during the monitoring on the voting day.”
“All polling stations, including those in remote regions were well prepared for the referendum” he noted.
Lokotin also pointed out that the referendum was marked by a high turnout, adding “this once again demonstrated citizens` confidence in the authorities, which have done a tremendous work to better the people`s standard of living over last few years.”
