European monitors say Azerbaijan's elections comply with international standards

The European election observation mission included representatives from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR), the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), and the European Parliament (EP).

Wolfgang Grossruck, vice-president of the OSCE PA, praised the Azerbaijani government`s work to ensure just elections. He noted the parliamentary elections were characterized by a peaceful atmosphere and all opposition parties participated in the political process.

“In a welcome departure from the past, the run up to the elections and the voting day was peaceful and not marred with violent incidents. All political parties participated in the
elections. All opposition members took their seats at the CEC. The CEC held frequent open meetings, completed all requirements within legal deadlines and elaborated regulations well in advance. The CEC decided to allocate four minutes of airtime in roundtable discussions on public TV to all candidates.”

“Forty three of the 172 candidates who had been denied registration and appealed, were reinstated. A very high number of international and domestic observers were registered; international observers enjoyed good cooperation with the CEC. Members of national minorities were represented among candidates of all main political parties. The share of female candidates increased from 10 to 13% compared to the last parliamentary elections.”

Paul Wille, head of the pre-electoral mission of the PACE Special Committee for the observance of the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan, said the voting met internationals standards, including those of the OSCE.

Anneli Jaatteenaki, head of the observation mission of the European Parliament, said the elections were well organized from the technical point of view. She also noted several negative aspects.


/AzerTAc/