Statement by U.S. Embassy on February 9 Parliamentary Elections

Baku/11.02.20/Turan: The United States shares the observations and concerns of the OSCE ODIHR monitoring mission that the February 9 parliamentary elections transpired in a restrictive legislative and political environment that prevented genuine competition.  The elections were marked by limitations on the freedom of media and assembly.  We were disappointed by significant procedural violations observed by ODIHR on Election Day, including ballot box stuffing, group voting, a disregard of reconciliation procedures, and limited transparency during vote counting. 

Azerbaijan has pledged to expeditiously investigate violations in the electoral process.  It is clear from ODIHR’s report that many such violations have occurred.  Investigating these and implementing OSCE ODIHR’s previous and forthcoming recommendations will be critical for Azerbaijan to live up to its commitments as a participating State of the OSCE, but more importantly to the people of Azerbaijan. 

We remain committed to working with the government and people of Azerbaijan in their efforts to ensure a strong, stable, democratic, and prosperous future, reads the statement. -0-