International Observers: Referendum in Chechnya is Democratic and Legitimate

The referendum on the draft constitution of the Chechen Republic and the laws on election of the republic's president and parliament is democratic and legitimate, according to observers of the CIS, the Islamic Conference Organisation, the Asia-Africa Solidarity Organisation, deputies of the State Duma and representatives of the Russian Foreign Ministry who observed the voting in Chechnya.

The observers' joint statement stresses that the voting was held in compliance with international standards and the national legislation.

Observers note that the Russian Federation authorities gave the citizens an opportunity to vote freely and independently.

The document stresses that the observers could perform their functions without any hindrances, and these conclusions are drawn from their own observations and analysis of collected material.

According to the observers, there were not too many soldiers and policemen at the polling stations, and their presence was corresponding to the situation. They did not hamper the realisation of the voters' rights and freedoms, the observers said.

The observers did notice some flaws in the course of voting, but these were merely technical wrongdoings and were immediately corrected, the document points out.