Creation of new opposition alliance

Authoritarian regime prospers in Azerbaijan, and to  change it  is necessary to consolidate democratic forces around a single idea and a single command. This was the leitmotif of today's meeting in the Media Center with the participation of representatives of 15 political parties. The meeting participants discussed the possibility of a democratic atmosphere

on the eve of the presidential election in 2013, and the reforming of the Electoral Code.

The head of  "Aydinlar" party  ("Intellectuals"), Gulamhuseyn Alibayli, presented

proposals to reform the electoral law, including restoration of majority-proportional system of elections to the parliament.

But the main idea is to change the principle of the formation of election commissions. In particular, it is proposed to define members of  election commissions at all levels of candidates nominated by all political parties  involved in elections by drawing lots.

In addition, it was proposed: to simplify the registration of candidates, exclude the possibility of cancellation of the registration of candidates, to allow voters to give signatures in favor of several candidates; to recognize the legitimate evidence material provided by observers; to create equal opportunities for all candidates to campaign; to use the electronic voting system, etc. It is proposed also transfer complaints on violations  to  independent appeals committees, formed on the basis of lots from among the representatives of NGOs.

However, chairman of the Executive Committee of the Liberal Party, Avaz Temirkhan, expressed the view that this system does not guarantee the exclusion  of election commissions of control of  power. In his view, the election commissions should be formed  by parties or party alliances, which at recent elections have registered candidates in more than 61 of the 125 constituencies.

The creation of appeal commissions does not guarantee the objectivity of the complaint, as the authorities through numerous controlled NGOs, will provide greater representation in these structures.

According to chairman of the "Open Society" Sulhaddin Akbar,  changes in the country  are possible only with  close alliance of democratic forces and on the basis of strict discipline. "Today there is  corrupt, authoritarian regime with elements of totalitarianism in Azerbaijan. The alternative to such a regime could be the consolidation of democratic forces," said Akbar.

Solutions in the alliance should be taken by majority  of votes and be binding for all, and this order shall act until the presidential elections in 2013

The main aim of the Union is to be a struggle for the formation of a democratic electoral environment and ensuring a smooth transition from authoritarianism to democracy.

The Union should have a unified political command, a single election headquarters, the political platform and program of reforms.

The Union must fight through peaceful means under the slogan "The democratization of Azerbaijan, the integration into free world, the active adaptation to globalization!" he said.

Chairman of the National Unity Party, Hajibaba Azimov, expressed the view that the new format of the democratic forces should have clear objectives, and proposed to unite around demanding the resignation of President Ilham Aliyev with the usurpation of power through rigged elections and the high level of corruption. He also proposed to file lawsuits against Aliyev and other senior officials in connection with corruption and human rights violations.

The head of the party "Free Azerbaijan", Hasan Hasanov, suggested putting the change of power otherwise, by declaring unconstitutional candidacy of Ilham Aliyev as the President for the third time.

Chairman of the "Great Azerbaijan" party, Elshad Musayev,  drew attention to the necessity of preparation constitutional reforms, as necessary change of the political and legal system, excluding authoritarianism.

Head of the Supreme Majlis of  PFPA, Hasan Karimov, said that his party supports all steps to ensure democratic elections.

The participants approved the idea of ​​creation the Consultative Majlis of  democratic forces. However, the final decision on the establishment of this structure will be taken after discussions within their parties at the next meeting, the date of which  has not been determined yet. 

 The meeting was attended by representatives of the parties: the Secular Party, "Aydinlar" party, "Open Society" party,  Civil Solidarity Party, Liberal Party, Democratic Party, "Umid"  party, PPFA,  "Free Azerbaijan" Party, National Unity of  Single Azerbaijan, Liberty Party, the Liberal Democratic Party, Islamic Democratic Party, Party "Great Azerbaijan", National Independence Party, the party of "classical"  of Popular Front of Azerbaijan.

During the meeting  it was informed that the invitation was sent out to the party "Musavat" and "Public Chamber". However, according to Gulaga Aslanli, Deputy Chairman of "Musavat" party, received  invitation, but  warned that he could not attend due to technical reasons.—06C-