OSCE / ODIHR to Deploy 30 Long-term and 280 Short-term Observers to Elections

Baku / 03.03.18 / Turan: The OSCE / ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission published on March 2 a report on the results of its visit to Baku on February 21-22 to study the situation before the presidential elections on April 11.

The 12-page report analyzes the socio-political situation, the state of legislation and its application. Also given are data on the application of certain provisions of electoral legislation and the policy of the state on various issues. Comparisons were made with previous reports of the OSCE / ODIHR.

The report is written on the basis of meetings and negotiations with representatives of the authorities, members of parliament, political parties, civil society and representatives of the press.

The opinion and recommendations of the report indicate that the majority of interlocutors stressed the value of the ODIHR monitoring of the upcoming elections. Representatives of state institutions assured that the electoral process would be transparent and correspond to international standards of democratic elections.

They also welcomed the observation of the ODIHR and any potential recommendations for improving the electoral process.

The ODIHR believes that special attention should be paid to such issues as the implementation of electoral legislation, the effectiveness and impartiality of the electoral administration, the campaigning and observance of fundamental freedoms, media coverage of elections and the management of election procedures, including the counting of votes.

Based on the findings of this report, the ODIHR recommends that the Election Observation Mission be sent to the elections.

In addition to the core group of experts, the ODIHR will request 30 long-term observers from the OSCE countries throughout the country, as well as 280 short-term observers to monitor the procedures of the elections themselves.

In accordance with the standard methodology, the ODIHR will monitor the media. -02D-