Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan. 22 / Trend , J.Babayeva/ Several initiative groups on referendum are illegally collecting voters' signatures to become registered at the Central Election Commission (CEC), CEC Chairman Mazahir Panahov told journalists on Jan. 22.
"They are collecting voters' signatures by deceiving them. They say it is for a national census or to solve their social problems. Voters from the Sheki, Zagatala and Balakan regions have applied to the CEC with complaints," said Panahov.
Such collection of signatures is unacceptable and illegal, Panahov said. "I call on all voters to be careful and to pay attention to the referendum membership lists. The name of an initiative group is written in the top of the list," he said.
Azerbaijan Election Code says at least 40,000 referendum membership lists must be valid.
A referendum will be held in Azerbaijan on Mar. 18 to amend 29 Articles of the Constitution.
Thirteen initiative groups on referendum have submitted notification to the CEC. Almost all have received referendum membership lists.
Seventeen initiative groups have been registered at constituencies.
The Constitution was adopted in 1995. Amendments and additions were made in 2002.
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