The Institute of Democratic Initiative (IDI) has issued a report assessment of pre-election situation in Azerbaijan on the eve of parliamentary elections in November 1st.
The 15-page document says that in spite of the measures to improve the technical organization of the elections, there remain serious challenges for democratic environment.
Over the past 12 years more than 200 changes and amendments has been made to the Electoral Code without public consent. Many of the amendments were undemocratic by nature and restrict the rights and freedoms of citizens. Thus, the period of the election campaign was reduced from 120 to 60 days, the time to collect signatures of voters was reduced by two times, and the period of agitation campaign was is limited to 22 days.
In addition, there were limited places to meet voters, was abolished the procedure for making a cash deposit covering the lack of voters' signatures. Restriction between elections political and civil rights deprives political parties opportunities for meetings and access to the media. Thus, the parties are unable to bring their positions to citizens.
The composition of the election commissions at all levels remains a matter of concern.
The current format ensures the majority of pro-government forces at all levels, which do not enjoy the confidence of voters. The upcoming elections, despite calls from the international and local socio-political structures, are in an atmosphere where there is no dialogue between the ruling party and the opposition and civil society. The problem with political prisoners acquired a serious nature, and calls for local and international community to release them is ignored.
The activities of civil society institutions was paralyzed, their further activity in question.
Opportunities for freedom of assembly across the country are limited. Meetings can be conducted in only one place in Baku and then in the semi-closed places. Many opposition parties and independent NGOs are unable to have their offices. It has become impossible to carry out activities in the closed areas. It is impossible to hold activities with a political agenda even ion a five-star hotels of international brands.
Arrests, trials, financial sanctions, freezing of bank accounts, the involvement of the investigation and other forms of pressure on journalists, seriously affect the freedom of the media, making it impossible to free expression.
Courts remain dependent on government structures, are not able to ensure fairness.
IID was created in November 2013 by a group of prominent lawyers and public figures ( the IDN is headed by CEC member, Akif Gurbanov, who used to be delegated to the party "Umid.")
This NGO is going to monitor the parliamentary elections on November 1 as well as enlighten participating in elections parties , and will try to provide legal assistance to those whose rights are violated.
In the 125-seat parliament, 69 seats belong to the party "Yeni Azerbaijan", which is headed by the president. The second largest group is "independent" - 42 deputies who vote like the parliamentary majority.
Another 12 seats belong to 10 parties, and five seats remain vacant. In conclusion a number of recommendations have been made:
Release all political prisoners and "prisoners of conscience" (approximately 100 people);
To support the initiative of the OSCE ODIHR and the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe on improving the electoral code;
Ensure freedom of assembly and association, to create conditions for the free activity of political parties and NGOs;
Provide places for pickets and demonstrations in the city center;
Put an end to unlawful interference in the work of election commissions representatives of the executive branch;
Arrange on TV debates with the participation of the opposition and independent candidates;
Conduct training sessions for members of the electoral commissions and judges on the provisions of the European Convention for Human Rights and Freedoms, as well as precedent decisions of the European Court. -06D-
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