OSCE and CE observers positively assess results of presidential elections in Azerbaijan

"The country's leadership created normal conditions for holding elections. Though during elections the country has not completely fulfilled its commitments", said Frlec. He noted that the elections were mostly held in a calm environment, according to Interfax-Azerbaijan.

"There were shortcomings in the sense of competition in covering political statements. The voting process did not fully reflect the democratic norms", said Frlec.

He voiced regret that opposition did not take part in the elections.

"The President, without participating in the agitation campaign, has created favorable conditions for other candidates", said ODIHR chairman.

"The electoral code was introduced sufficient number of positive changes, but despite the recommendations of international organizations on the formation of electoral commissions, most parties were not represented in them", said Frlec.

"I would especially note significant progress during electoral process, but I would like to note that necessary steps are needed to be taken for its improvement", said he.

According to head of the ODIHR mission, along with violations during elections there were recorded "violations including violation of voting principles". Frlec also mentioned cases of manipulation while calculating votes. At the same time, he welcomed the operative declaration of the statistics of the electoral participation and preliminary results.

"I want to thank Azerbaijani powers for good cooperation and I would like to note that we are always ready to assist to the country in improving the electoral practice", said he.

In turn, PACE observers leader Andres Herkel also noted that the elections were positive.

"Significant improvement have been observed as compared to previous elections", said he.

At the same time, he went on, despite improvements "the overall atmosphere of elections did not fully comply with democratic principles".

"The situation with mass media has worsened, electronic mass media did not cover the electoral process completely and thus, did not provide full information to voters", said Herkel.

Head of observers' mission from the European parliament Marie Anne Isler Begin noted that these elections were very important for the European parliament and EU.

"We consider that they were an important stage for Azerbaijan and the country has passed this stage positively. As compared to previous elections, we have witnessed significant achievements. We will prepare a final report after the meeting with Azerbaijani parliamentarians upon the completion of the electoral process", said he.

"Despite the absence of the problems, there were other shortcomings. I think the electoral campaign was not active enough. Unfortunately, the boycott of elections by opposition played its role in it. We regret that the President was not active in the election campaign and, as there were no debates between the head of the state and other candidates, those debates that the population expected, had not taken place", said the head of the mission of the European parliament.

"Interfax-Azerbaijan"