Original sentence: During this time, the question of joining the Russian Federation was put to a referendum, which resulted in a 96% affirmative vote  but has been condemned by the EU, the USA, the Ukrainian officials and the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People as contrary to Ukraine's constitution and to international law.. On March 17, the Crimean Parliament declared independence from Ukraine and asked to join the Russian Federation
Edited sentence: During this time, the question of joining the Russian Federation was put to a referendum, which resulted in a 96% affirmative vote  but has been condemned by the EU, the USA, the Ukrainian officials and the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People as contrary to Ukraine's constitution and to international law and (reportedly) falsified.. On March 17, the Crimean Parliament declared independence from Ukraine and asked to join the Russian Federation