In the pre-election period there must be real political debates, said Akif Gurbanov, Director of the Institute of Democratic Initiative (IDI), a CEC member, in an interview with radio station "Voice of America"commenting on the situation in Azerbaijan before the November elections in the country's parliament.
Does the existing legislation provides free participation of political parties and citizens in the elections? Answering this question, Gurbanov said that the legislation creates a very limited opportunities, much less than is required by international standards.
"However, it is possible toconduct good election even with a bad law. This requires political will and the creation of equal opportunities for all," said Gurbanov.
The latest recommendations of the ODIHR directly state that the Electoral Code should not create restrictions. There should be political debate, freedom of information, so that people were able to safely carry out their choice. The country's media almost directly or indirectly is under the influence of the ruling political elite.
Public television and radio should provide equal opportunities for all participants in the electoral process, as well as private TV channels. However, it does not happen in practice.
There is not much time to the campaign, but the parties have not been an opportunity to present their programs on the air.
"Under the current opportunities it is absurd to talk about media freedom and equal opportunities for political parties," said Gurbanov.
However, in this area there is no progress and encouraging factors.
Is it possible to change the situation before the parliamentary elections? Answering this question, Gurbanov said that during the remaining month the ruling party and government institutions can do a lot.
"There must be a real political dialogue, to create equal opportunities for all. However, this is not observed.
In practice, the authorities tightened the time to start the mission of the ODIHR/OSCE. Nevertheless, there is still time for real steps to bring the election environment to international democratic standards.
"If there are steps in this direction, it will be possible to give a positive opinion on the pre-election atmosphere," said Akif Gurbanov.-03C06-
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