Venice Commission discusses amendments to Azerbaijan’s Electoral Code

He said the opinion would be made public next week. Kuznetsov said some advices made by Venice Commission had not been taken into consideration.

"For example there is no amendment related to the commissions’ staffs although Venice Commission considered it to be one of the main aspects. Implementation of new system on reviewing of complaints is a good case, but it is early to say how this mechanism will work. There are some doubts on it".

Kuznetsov said reducing of campaign period was an undesirable case.

"Venice Commission regrets that there is nothing new related to some issues".

He emphasized the amendment on the finger-ink as a positive point.

Kuznetsov said Venice Commission was not  a political institution, but a body of legal cooperation. "Execution of this law depends on the Government of Azerbaijan. Elections are reflection of political will. If there are some shortages in the Electoral Code, but political parties joining the elections demonstrate political will, then democratic elections are possible".

Venice Commission expressed quite positive opinion on the amendments to the Law on Freedom of Assembly.

/APA/