The constitutional referendum held in Azerbaijan on September 27 failed to meet requirements of election legislation and international standards.  

The European Platform for Democratic Elections (EPDE) noted the aforementioned in its statement, DW reports.

 “As a result of amendments to the NGO legislation, independent civil society is not able to operate freely in the country. Criminal investigation and large tax fines lingering over some foreign and domestic NGOs, along with restrictions of accessing the foreign funding prevented civil society organizations from meaningfully participating in the referendum and engaging in voter education and election monitoring,” reads the statement issued by the organization.

According to the EPDE experts, the intensification of political repressions during the referendum resulted in increased number of political prisoners in Azerbaijan. “The Referendum day was marred with violations including ballot-box stuffing, multiple voting, group voting (carousel) and voting of persons without registration, similar irregularities from the previous elections,” the statement says.

The authors also note that there was no open public debate or adequate awareness raising campaign among public on proposed changes to the Constitution which are essential for expression of people's true will.