ODIHR: Election Commission of Azerbaijan must be re- formed

The ODIHR final report circulated by the results of the presidential election of October 9, 2013 in Azerbaijan.

As noted in the document, the elections were held in an atmosphere of restricting freedom of expression , assembly and association , and all candidates were not created equal conditions .

The election campaign was accompanied by accusations against candidates, voter intimidation , and limited access to the media.

On the election day, there were serious problems at all stages.

At 58 % of the sites, where the ODIHR observers were, the counting was carried out badly or very badly.

For example, 23 cases were reported on ballot stuffing stacks. At 42 sites , protocols were not filled with ink.

In 15 plots the official record form was signed by the precinct election commission members before making the election results.

Also recorded were 18 cases where the protocols of precinct election commissions were filled in the district commission.

Criticized in the report was also the Constitutional Court recognition of the election results before exhausting the possibilities of appealing the outcome by the opposition candidate.

The seriousness of these problems suggests that Azerbaijan has still much to be done to implement OSCE commitments for democratic elections .

In particular, the ODIHR recommendations to change the principles of formation of election commissions, improving the procedure of registration of candidates, are still not met.

CEC as a whole effectively provided technical training at the elections. In particular, they provided timely publication of the CEC decision, held public meetings for journalists and observers. Nevertheless , the current composition of the electoral commissions allows the adoption of a decision in favor of the authorities. This undermines confidence in the impartiality of the election administration.

The report recommends revision of public participation in the legislation on freedom of assembly , expression and association in accordance with international standards.

In the name of fairness and public confidence it is necessary to change the Electoral Code and to reform the electoral commissions at all levels.

To create the best opportunities to potential candidates there is a need to extend the electoral process.

Should be also reviewed the mechanism for reviewing complaints and the overall organization of the elections.

The government should take additional measures to prevent holding the election in an atmosphere of fear. In addition, the Electoral Code should reflect the rights of citizens to receive comprehensive information about the political alternatives through the media.

The authorities should eliminate criminal penalties for libel and insult.

There should be necessary political will to address such serious violations as stuffing ballot boxes with packs or changing the protocols of voting . -06D-