Election Campaign Violations cast a shadow on democracy of elections, the Institute for Democratic Initiatives (IDI)

Baku / 22.01.20 / Turan: The Institute for Democratic Initiatives released an interim monitoring report on the February 9 early parliamentary elections.

The document evaluates the preparation of elections, the process of nominating and registering candidates, and handling complaints.

The study is based on monitoring of 12 long-term observers and information from those participating in the elections.

The political context of the election has not changed. Once again, elections are held in an atmosphere of absolute advantage of one political force, lack of dialogue with the opposition.

At the stage of registration of candidates, there were fewer violations of laws than in the parliamentary elections of 2010 and 2015. Violations mainly occurred against opposition candidates and independent applicants. Violations were recorded in 74 of 125 districts.  

There is no positive change in the media environment, which is characterized by a lack of conditions for fair competition and remains unfavorable for political pluralism.  

Of the 37 complaints to the CEC, 24 were not satisfied due to “groundlessness”.

The CEC Hot Line - “115” was not effective for promptly resolving emerging issues.

Violations recorded during the nomination and registration of candidates create doubts that the February 9 elections will be free, fair and democratic.

IDI put forward considers it necessary to take into account the calls of local and international organizations, and create an atmosphere of mutual trust, release all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience.

All persons who violate electoral rights, including officials of state and municipal bodies, must be punished.

It is necessary to create conditions free and fair elections, to ensure freedom of assembly, expression, and to stop interference in the election process.

* The NGO Institute of Democratic Initiatives (IDI) was established on November 5, 2013 by a group of lawyers and public activists with the goal of promoting the formation of an open society in Azerbaijan. The IDI is headed by a former member of the country's Central Election Commission, Akif Gurbanov. -06D-