Additions and amendments to Election Code adopted

Deputy Ali Huseynov said that editing corrections were made to the EC after it passed the first reading of the parliament.

Deputy Gulamhuseyn Alibayli stressed the importance of forming the election commission on parity, letting the NGOs observe the election process which are financed 30% from abroad and considered its deficiency that these items are not included into the draft law.

Deputy Gudret Hasanguliyev supported the suggestion on forming the commission on parity and stated that he supports the appointment of forces to be represented in the commission by the way of casting lots. According to him, all the political forces of the country should be represented equally in the commission to be formed on parity. G.Hesenguliyev also stressed the importance of Milli Majlis’s protest against the statement made by Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Monitoring Committee co-rapporteur Andreas Gross regarding 25 places will be given to the opposition in the parliamentary elections. The deputy stated that, A.Gross’ opinions are harmful for Azerbaijan.

Deputy Jamil Hasanli stated that, none of the suggestions of the deputies representing opposition parties concerning amendments to the EC was taken into account.

Milli Majlis vise-speaker Ziyafet Asgarov said that, the commission based on parity will not function normally. According to him, most of the suggestions made by opposition parties are inessential:” If we act as the opposition suggests in the election we shall face the criticism of international organizations. That is damage to our image”.

Head of Department on legislation and juridical expert of President’s Office Shahin Aliyev stated that, the additions and amendments made are of democratic importance and there is no doubt the elections will be held democratically after that.

The additions and amendments to the Election Code were adopted in the second and third reading in the end of the discussions.

/APA/