The referendum vote on proposed constitutional amendments has kicked off in Azerbaijan and will wrap up at 19:00 local time (18:00 MSK).
Among the changes are establishing first vice-president and vice-president positions in Azerbaijan, extending the president’s term in office from five years to seven years, giving 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.
The head of the International Relations Department at the Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan, Rashid Yusifbayli, told Vestnik Kavkaza that as many as 5,267,111 voters are expected to take part in the referendum in 5627 polling stations in 125 constituencies. "There are 5415 permanent and 212 temporary polling stations, including 38 stations in the consular offices abroad. There are 117 international observers from 18 organizations and 33 countries and 53,531 local observers. As many as 16 international media outlets have been accredited to observe the referendum," he said.
Rashid Yusifbayli also added that the exit-polls are being conducted by four organizations. Security cameras have been installed at 1000 polling stations. "Polling stations have all they need including cabins, ballot boxes, ballots, regulations, electoral instructions, all the necessary documentation being used during the day," the representative of the Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan said.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev forwarded the draft Referendum Act “On making amendments to Azerbaijan’s constitution” to the Constitutional Court on July 18.
