No Boycott of Elections

Baku / 21.11.17 / Turan: Round table on Presidential Elections of 2018: Boycott or Participation was held at the headquarters of the Musavat party on November 21. The event was organized by the Center for Strategic National Thought.

Speakers unequivocally opposed the calls for a boycott of the presidential elections of 2018, calling participation in them the most pressing issue in the life of the country.

Head of the Center Isa Gambar noted that any election has supporters and opponents. Analyzing the presidential elections held in the country during the period of independence, Isa Gambar noted that an active boycott of the presidential elections took place in 1998, and a passive boycott was in 2008. None of them gave the proper result.

According to Isa Gambar, the most real presidential elections were held in 2003. At that time, the opposition won the election, but could not protect its victory.

According to the head of the Center, at present the main task is to show efforts to create democratic conditions and achieve democratic changes. "In this sense, the Musavat party has prepared a package of proposals for carrying out reforms in 5-6 most important areas. We believe that to achieve changes in this issue, we need to show diligence right now. Do not think that there is still time, as in fact it is not enough."

At the same time, Isa Gambar stressed that it was time for making responsible decisions to be able to gather the potential of the society. In his opinion, a platform for functional cooperation of political forces can be created here.

Representatives of socio-political institutions and experts spoke at the meeting, noting the need for participation in the presidential elections.

Despite the control of the majority of the media, the opposition has the opportunity to conduct propaganda and agitation through modern technologies and social networks. Participants also noted that the boycott is not an effective way of fighting. Since 2015, due to the difficult social and economic situation in the country, the protest electorate has considerably increased, as well as the electorate of the opposition.

In addition, the speakers noted that 2018 is a significant year marking the hundred-year anniversary of the creation of the Azerbaijan People"s Republic and other significant historical dates.

The authorities do not offer anything to overcome the current crisis, so there is a need for an alternative proposal.

Socio-political forces decided to continue discussions in connection with the forthcoming elections. The event was attended by Musavat, REAL, Civic Solidarity Party, and experts.--051B--