Mubariz Qurbanly: "At the upcoming elections, best in the history of Azerbaijan, other candidates will simply be unable to rival Ilham Aliyev"

- The amendments to the Electoral Code and the law on the freedom of assembly, much spoken of, nevertheless, received an unambiguous assessment in Azerbaijan and out of its bounds. What caused the reduction of time, alloted for candidates to hold election campaign?

- First of all, I would like to note that there was a need for all these amendments. Legislation is reviewed before elections in any country. Five years have passed and we should consider the situation and what is missing. In the result, we have corrected everything we needed to correct in the practice. We do not deal with theory, we deal with practical issues. It is necessary to introduce definite amendments to the Election Code.

Now about reduction in terms in the election process. Most countries allots 60 days for it. Why do we need to preserve the term of 120 days? We have reduced it. I think 75 days are enough to nominate a candidate and hold agitation campaign.

- Opposition says this term is not enough.

- Opposition's claims lack common sense. A person, who decides to nominate his candidacy, does not deal with agitation only within the specially alloted period. He is engaged with it for five years. Each party primordially decides about participation in the elections. Therefore, I think the amendments were necessary.

- How would you comment on the statement of Venice Commission expert Kuznetsov who said some of the mentioned amendments were a surprize for him?

- Our representatives have already stated the intention to introduce these amendments and talks were conducted on the issue. The Venice commission also agreed with the draft amendments.

Mr.Kuznetsov is a Russian citizen. In Russian legislation the term, alloted for agitation, is also not so long, as in our country. Therefore, I think his statements are illogical.

The decision to introduce these amendments was right. I think they will promote conduction of more democratic elections.

- Most representatives state that Azerbaijan, being a member of the Council of Europe for already a long period of time, is committed to do everything for the elections in October to become the best in the history of our country. What do you think of it?

- These elections will really become the best elections in the history of Azerbaijan. Yeni Azerbaijan party will nominate candidacy of Mr. Ilham  Aliyev, our chairman and the President of the country. I am sure that the trust of population to the President is high. Other candidates will simply be unable to rival I.Aliyev.  

Much has been and is made for Azerbaijan. Welfare of the population is being improved, country's international stance is strengthening, most economic and political programs are being implemented. This, certainly, allows to make sure that I.Aliyev will be supported by voters, his victory will be ensured during the fair, open and democratic elections and all international organizations and all countries, interested in the developments in Azerbaijan, will see that elections in our country meet European standards.

Let's consider the neighbor South Caucasus countries, where elections were held this year. What happened in Armenia can hardly be called elections. To my mind, it was almost a coup. Georgia also had great shortcomings. In comparison with these countries, the elections in Azerbaijan will be held on the higher level and no one will be able to doubt it.

- Ana Veten party has already decided to support I.Aliyev's candidacy. When will this be made by your party?

- Yeni Azerbaijan party will officially nominate I.Aliyev during the party session. The date of the session should be defined by the party chairman.

I can say that the 450,000 members of the Yeni Azerbaijan Party will work to hold the elections on the highest level with wide participation of people and for us to win.

/Day.Az/