BISHKEK, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The election observation mission of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization recognized as legitimate the recent constitutional referendum in Kyrgyzstan, the mission's head Zhang Haizhou said Monday.
"The referendum was held in accordance with the current legislation of Kyrgyzstan and the international obligations assumed by the country. The mission recognizes the referendum as open, free and legitimate," Zhang said at a briefing.
A constitutional referendum took place in Kyrgyzstan on Sunday. According to preliminary data, 79 percent of voters supported the new draft constitution. The turnout was more than 36 percent of registered voters, which makes the referendum valid.
The draft of the new constitution proposes a transition to a presidential form of government; the establishment of the People's Kurultai, a political advisory body; and the reduction of parliamentary seats from 120 to 90, among other things.
In January, Kyrgyzstan held a referendum on changing its system of government alongside early presidential elections, with 81.49 percent of voters choosing a presidential system. Enditem
