Pre-election delegation of PACE announced a statement about the election atmosphere in Azerbaijan: SIA reports that statement: "The five-member cross party delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe welcomed an overall calm atmosphere in the run-up to the 7 November Parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan. This is a positive departure from the ways of the past where electoral campaigns were marred by violence and mutual recriminations. Improvements in the work of the Central Election Commission, the voter education programme launched by it, greater attention to the quality of the voters’ lists should be commended.
In a welcome development and by contrast to some earlier elections, the Azerbaijani opposition is actively involved in the electoral race. It is making attempts at forging electoral blocks and trying to overcome competing individual agendas. Building electoral alliances is usually part and parcel of a democratic process. We also welcome the new possibilities created for non-governmental organisations to be involved in the electoral procedures.
Yet, once again, the PACE Delegation did not witness a competition of substantive political ideas, platforms or approaches. Furthermore, this is exacerbated by the lack of any public debate (including TV debates) that would help the electorate make an educated choice on Election Day. The delegation was concerned over allegations that the pre-electoral situation is also characterised by administrative pressures and difficulties relating to candidate registration. Harassment of some journalists and bloggers, instances of which were brought to the attention of the delegation, is not conducive to a constructive dialogue within the society. Corrective action is urgently needed.
While the existing legislation does provide for universal suffrage in Azerbaijan, in the parliamentary elections the very numerous Azerbaijanis residing abroad will only be able to vote if expats return to their constituencies in Azerbaijan for the voting day. This compromises the principle of universality of voting rights.
Also, people with disabilities should have better possibilities for voting, for instance, through the setting up of polling stations in hospitals. A comprehensive compendium of earlier PACE proposals to improve the electoral process in Azerbaijan can be found, inter alia, in PACE Resolution 1750 (2010) on the Functioning of democratic institutions in Azerbaijan.
Finally, the Delegation calls on Baku to rectify the situation with entry visas for observers. If, contrary to official declarations, those cannot be issued upon arrival, this should be made known to would-be observers for them to avoid unpleasant surprises en-route to Baku".
In a welcome development and by contrast to some earlier elections, the Azerbaijani opposition is actively involved in the electoral race. It is making attempts at forging electoral blocks and trying to overcome competing individual agendas. Building electoral alliances is usually part and parcel of a democratic process. We also welcome the new possibilities created for non-governmental organisations to be involved in the electoral procedures.
Yet, once again, the PACE Delegation did not witness a competition of substantive political ideas, platforms or approaches. Furthermore, this is exacerbated by the lack of any public debate (including TV debates) that would help the electorate make an educated choice on Election Day. The delegation was concerned over allegations that the pre-electoral situation is also characterised by administrative pressures and difficulties relating to candidate registration. Harassment of some journalists and bloggers, instances of which were brought to the attention of the delegation, is not conducive to a constructive dialogue within the society. Corrective action is urgently needed.
While the existing legislation does provide for universal suffrage in Azerbaijan, in the parliamentary elections the very numerous Azerbaijanis residing abroad will only be able to vote if expats return to their constituencies in Azerbaijan for the voting day. This compromises the principle of universality of voting rights.
Also, people with disabilities should have better possibilities for voting, for instance, through the setting up of polling stations in hospitals. A comprehensive compendium of earlier PACE proposals to improve the electoral process in Azerbaijan can be found, inter alia, in PACE Resolution 1750 (2010) on the Functioning of democratic institutions in Azerbaijan.
Finally, the Delegation calls on Baku to rectify the situation with entry visas for observers. If, contrary to official declarations, those cannot be issued upon arrival, this should be made known to would-be observers for them to avoid unpleasant surprises en-route to Baku".
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