"Presidential Election 2013: issues, expectations and proposals," was the topic of public debate, held on Wednesday in the media center of the Institute for Reporters Freedom and Safety (IRFS). The event was organized by a coalition of NGOs "Security, Democracy and Social development." According to the coordinator of the coalition, Yashar Jafarli, for 20 years, the hopes of citizens for democratic elections have not yet been justified. This disappointment causes different reactions in society. Some people, who have lost all hope for democratic elections, stand for a revolutionary change of government according to "Arab Spring." Others believe more in the possibility of evolution towards democratic reforms.
"We do not want confrontation in the society, the implementation of the revolutionary process. But the people's desire for democracy and social welfare, is a fact," said Jafarli. The head of the Centre for Research "Gorgud" Tarlan Eyvazov stated the party "Yeni Azerbaijan" has been in power for 20 years, and, apparently, is not going to leave. The opposition's statement about the illegality of the nomination of Ilham Aliyev as the President for the third time was noted. Ignoring the demands of the people by authorities to hold democratic elections can provoke revolutionary processes in Azerbaijan, following the example of the "Arab Spring." However, it was noted that the combined action of the authorities and the opposition on the case of Ramil Safarov suggests that they can come to the table on the question of elections also.
The head of the Centre for Research "East-West", Arastun Orujlu, believes that because of the lack of mutual trust between government and opposition, the dialogue between them can only be established by institutions of civil society.
He noted if there are no fair elections in the country, sooner or later the stand will be inevitable.
The panelists at the discussions made suggestions for the implementation of electoral reform, the withdrawal from election commissions monopoly of the ruling party, and ensuring political pluralism in the media. Without it, fair elections in the country are impossible. --05C06--
Politics
-
On January 21, the Baku Serious Crimes Court continued the trial of the Abzas Media case. The court heard testimony from the director of the publication, Ulvi Hasanly, who rejected the charges against him. Hasanly stated that Abzas Media was engaged in investigations into corruption at the highest levels of government, covering societal issues, and defending citizens' rights. He believes that these activities provoked the authorities' anger towards the journalists.
-
It seems that the Kremlin's hopes that Donald Trump's return to power in the U.S. would be beneficial for Russia have not come to fruition. Upon returning to the White House, Donald Trump stated that he plans to meet with Putin soon. However, he also declared that Putin is "destroying Russia" by refusing to make peace and end the war in Ukraine.
-
On January 21, the Speaker of the Milli Majlis, Sahiba Gafarova, arrived in Italy on an official visit, as reported by the press service of the Azerbaijani Parliament.
-
Due to the winter period, Gubad Ibadoglu has moved from his summer house near Sumgait to Baku. However, every Tuesday and Thursday, he is required to travel to the Sumgait City Police Department No. 1 for registration. According to his lawyer, Zibeyda Sadigova, under Article 3.18 of the Police Supervision Rules during House Arrest, if a person changes their place of residence, they must be transferred to the police jurisdiction of the new residence within 24 hours.
Leave a review