Deadline set for registration of agitation groups for constitutional referendum

By Azernews

By Gunay Hasanova

August 22 is the last day for submission of documents for registration of agitation groups for the upcoming referendum.

Under the calendar plan approved by the Central Election Commission (CEC), the necessary documents for registration of agitation groups should be submitted to the relevant election commission before 18:00 August 22, 2016.

September 26, 2016 was set as the date for referendum on proposed changes to the constitution of Azerbaijan.

In a bill recently sent to the Constitutional Court, President Ilham Aliyev proposed 29 amendments to Azerbaijan’s current constitution. The changes envisage extension of the presidential term from five to seven years, establishment of the first vice-president and vice-president positions in the country as well as abolishment of minimum age limit for presidential candidates, dissolution of parliament by the president.

The Constitutional Court gave the go ahead for the proposed changes on July 27.

In addition, August 22 is the deadline for the approval of the requirements regarding additional refinements in the voters’ lists submitted for familiarization of the voters, rules, texts, shapes, numbers and preparation of ballots for voting in the referendum.

The CEC registered two more initiative groups on August 20– “Municipality” and “Civil society” for their participation as campaign groups in the upcoming referendum.

“Municipality” campaign group was created by municipalities, which expressed interest in campaigning for the referendum, while “Civil society” group has been created by Azerbaijan’s Trade Unions Confederation and civil society organizations.

Previously, the CEC registered an initiative group of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party.

 Final results of the Referendum will be announced till October 21.

The last time changes to the Constitution were made seven years ago, following Constitutional referendum held in 2009.