PACE Delegation: Referendum Was Good, but You Should Take into Account Venice Commission’s Opinion

The referendum on September 26 on amendments to the Azerbaijani Constitution was arranged in accordance with the national legislation and is seen as legitimate. This was stated at today's press conference by the head of the PACE assessment mission Alexander Nikoloski.

According to him, the vote was transparent and well organized, and passed peacefully. Serious violations were not noticed. ‘In this regard, we respect the will of the people,’ he said.

According to the mission, the referendum results reflect the will of the Azerbaijani people ‘to take a step towards a stable, sustainable, secure and democratic development of the country and create a more sustainable and efficient system.’

However, the Commission expressed regret that the Azerbaijani authorities did not appeal to the Venice Commission for assessment of the proposed amendments to the Constitution.

The mission welcomed the decision of PACE Bureau on the proposal to the VC to express its views.

The delegation called on the Azerbaijani government to "respect" the opinion of the VC in the application of the amendments and to ensure a balance between the branches of government and the role of parliament.

The delegation also called on the authorities to engage in dialogue with opponents, and expressed regret that there was no pre-debate before the referendum.

They expressed regret over the arrest on criminal charges of a number of activists ahead of the referendum. However, the mission said it had no mandate to intervene in legal matters.

According to Nikoloski, before the referendum supporters and opponents of the amendments had the opportunity to express their positions. However, he evaded a direct answer to the question whether these opportunities were proportionate, noting that he only had the authority to announce the delegation’s view.

He noted this preliminary report and the final report will be submitted to the PACE.

As there was nobody wishing to ask a question, Turan’s reporter tried to ask another question. However Nikoloski did not let him do it, explaining that he was going to be late for the plane.

 It should be noted that the PACE delegation showed disrespect towards the state language of Azerbaijan and issued a press release in English only. -06B--