Pikhof and Odinets observe elections in Azerbaijan

NordenBladet —

Pikhof said that the aim of the observers was to monitor whether the presidential election adhered to democratic principles, and that transparent voting procedures and a fair campaign atmosphere were ensured. “Most probably the current President Ilham Aliyev will be re-elected for his fifth term of presidency, but we will observe that all candidates are treated equally,” Pikhof explained. She will be observing the election in Salyan District.

Odinets added that during the presidential election in Azerbaijan, it was also important to monitor media accessibility, and the accurate reporting of results. “We will observe the opening of polling places, voting, counting of ballots as well as the reporting of results. And we will certainly monitor whether journalists are able to do their work freely, as is appropriate in democratic elections.” Odinets will be observing the election in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

This is the first election in Azerbaijan that will be held on its entire internationally recognised territory. More than 80 members of 27 national parliaments will observe the presidential election in Azerbaijan within the framework of the mission organised by the OSCE PA. The purpose of the mission is to make sure that the elections adhere to the democratic commitments contained in the OSCE’s 1990 Copenhagen Document.

Deploying of election observation missions has been an important part of OSCE’s activities since 1993. The missions monitor whether the elections are conducted legitimately and respect the democratic standards. This is the tenth time the OSCE PA has observed elections in Azerbaijan since 1995.

For more information, please contact:
Heljo Pikhof +372 511 9637
Eduard Odinets +372 501 8934

Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
+372 631 6592; +372 510 6179
merilin.kruuse@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Pikhof and Odinets observe elections in Azerbaijan

Source: Parliament of Estonia