In response to Azerbaijani Central Election Commission (CEC)’s accepting the results of a September 26 referendum approving Constitutional changes despite serious voting irregularities, Freedom House issued the following statement:
“Azerbaijan’s election commission ignored its own requirements by accepting the results of the September 26 referendum despite well-documented ballot stuffing, the detention of people protesting the procedures, and other serious irregularities,” said Robert Herman, vice president for international programs. “The government showed its disregard for the fundamental rights of its citizens.”
On September 27, the CEC announced that the constitutional changes were supported by more than 90 percent of the voters, with an official voter turnout of 69.7 percent. The referendum to amend the Constitution was announced by presidential decree at the end of July 2016. The amendments include the extension of the presidential term in office to seven years from five, creation of the office of vice-president, and eliminating age limits for president, among other changes. On September 20, the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe issued a preliminary opinion criticizing the amendments,” the statement said. –02D----
Politics
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Today, September 7, 2024, the second picket in support of Igbal Abilov was held in The Hague (Netherlands) in front of the Embassy of Azerbaijan. The event was organized by Igbal's friends and colleagues. During the picket, protesters continued to collect signatures for the petition and called on Azerbaijan authorities to stop persecution and free Igbal. This is the second rally in support of Abilov in Europe.
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The Khatai district court of Baku today extended for another three months the arrest term of investigative journalist Hafiz Babaly, arrested in the "Abzas Media case". His lawyer Rasul Jafarov informed Turan about it.
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American intelligence officials said on Friday that Russia is the pre-eminent and most active threat to influence the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election, while Iran and China are also stepping up efforts, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.
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Azerbaijan is trying to diversify its economy and stop relying on oil, and is offering Israeli high-tech companies to relocate in exchange for generous tax breaks. This is reported by the Israeli publication Globes, citing its sources in companies that are considering relocation.
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