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) announced in its statement.
''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.
Political repressions intensified during the Referendum resulting in increased number of political prisoners.
The official turnout do not correspond to real figures'', the statement reads.