Extraordinary elections held in the absence of alternatives - Elections Monitoring and Democracy Center (EMDC)

Baku / 12.02.18 / Turan: The Elections Monitoring and Democracy Center (EMDC) made a statement in connection with special presidential elections in Azerbaijan appointed for 11 April. Assessing the political and legal situation in the country on the eve of the election, the EMDC notes that the president's decree on early elections, although corresponds to the Constitution and the Electoral Code of the country, but it contradicts the principles of periodicity of elections and democratic constitutionalism. The EMDC draws attention to the fact that the order on early elections does not contain arguments substantiating the political need for their conduct, and was signed without holding open discussions in Parliament.

This made it difficult to prepare for the elections all interested parties, including potential presidential candidates, as well as local and international observers.

In addition, the appointment of an extraordinary presidential election as an interested entity - the head of state, does not comply with the rules of democratic governance.

So, theoretically, the president can schedule early elections at an advantageous time (for example, in the period of his high rating, or the expected drop in the rating in the future)

Thus, the empowerment of the president with powers that allow him to unreasonably and unjustly secure advantages, cannot be considered legitimate from the point of view of a democratic society.

The EMDC regretfully states that there are more than 140 political prisoners in the country, measures have been taken to restrict freedom of expression, including the blocking of a number of independent media sites since March 2017.

In addition, on the eve of the election, mass activists are massively persecuted, there is not enough democratic atmosphere.

The continuation of political pressure on civil society and human rights organizations, launched after the presidential election on October 9, 2013, seriously limits civil society for the education of voters and the organization of local election monitoring.

Based on the conclusions of previous elections by the OSCE / ODIHR, the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe, and the implementation of the ECHR judgments, it can be assumed that the country has not carried out any reforms for the free expression of people's will, a competitive political environment, freedom of expression, assembly and association, does not work for the free organization of parties and institutions of civil society, the statement said.

At the same time, the EMDC notes that taking into account the refusal to participate in the elections of the main opposition parties: the Popular Front and Musavat, the detention of the leader of the "Republican Alternative" movement Ilgar Mammadov in prison, a political one has been created in the upcoming elections without alternative.

In conclusion, the EMDC makes a number of recommendations in connection with the organizations of early elections and in free and fair conditions:

- Release political prisoners and recognize the right of political parties to hold their meetings, including protest actions;

-To abolish the reactionary norms in the legislation adopted in the last three years, closing the activities of local and foreign NGOs, to stop pressure on civil society activists;

- Ensure publicity and public control in matters of issue by the CEC signature lists and verifying voters' subscribers;

- Restore the activities of foreign radio, eliminate the blocking of independent and opposition sites.

-Provision on the state television of airtime to ensure video translation of voters about elections, including for acquaintance with the requirements that do not participate in elections.

-the EMDC participated in 2001-13 on municipal, parliamentary, presidential elections and referendums of a different program to protect the electoral rights of citizens, inform voters and monitor the electoral process and inform the public about it.-06D--

голосовании, упрощение регистрации кандидатов.

B заключение ЦМBОД выдвигает ряд рекомендаций в связи с организациями внеочередных выборов и в свободных и справедливых условиях:

Освободить политзаключенных и признать право политических партий проводить свои собрания, в том числе протестные акции;

Отменить реакционные нормы в законодательстве, принятые в последние три года, закрывающие деятельность местных и иностранных НПО, прекратить давление на активистов гражданского общества;

Обеспечить гласность и общественный контроль в вопросах выдачи ЦИК подписных листов и проверки подписчиков избирателей;

Bосстановить деятельность иностранных радио, устранить блокировки независимых и оппозиционных сайтов.

Предоставление на государственном телевидении эфирного времени для обеспечения видеотрансляции избирателей о выборах, в том числе для ознакомления с требованиями, не участвующих в выборах.

ЦМBОД осущестл в 2001-13 гг. на муниципальных, парламентских, президентских выборах и референдумах различной программы по защите избирательных прав граждан, просвещению избирателей и мониторингу выборного процесса и информирования об этом общественности.-06D--