International observer: Azerbaijan's referendum being held without violations

International observer, a member of the delegation of the Central Election Commission of Ukraine, Sergey Dubovik, speaking with Vestnik Kavkaza, praised the level of organization of the referendum in Azerbaijan.

"We, the members of the Central Election Commission of Ukraine are pleased to observe the referendum in Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani Central Election Commission and local authorities did a tremendous amount of work to organize the referendum: we have not seen any violations, all the basic standards and principles of the electoral legislation of the republic have been met," he said.

"The atmosphere near polling stations is nice, people are friendly, and we are very pleased that we are here today," Sergey Dubovik said.

"We have been both in the central part of Baku and in the suburbs and rural areas near the capital. All members of the election commissions are very well-trained. Voters are aware of the nature and content of the ballots and the issues put to the referendum," the international observer stressed.

The voting in referendum on making amendments to Azerbaijan’s constitution kicked off and will wrap up at 19:00 local time (18:00 MSK).

The draft Referendum Act envisages establishing first vice-president and vice-president positions in Azerbaijan, extending the president’s term of office from five years to seven years, given the authority to the president to dissolve the Milli Majlis and declare early presidential election, removing the age limit for presidential election, decreasing the age limit from 25 to 18 for participation in the parliamentary elections.