OSCE holds workshop on election monitoring in Baku

Representatives of 12 political parties represented in the Milli Mejlis (Parliament) will participate in workshops to be held in Baku and ten regions of Azerbaijan till Nov. 1.

The event aims to inform the representatives of political parties on the key OSCE commitments for democratic elections, study methodology, international experience in this area and instructions to prevent interference of observers from political parties in the electoral process.

Municipal elections in Azerbaijan will be held on Dec. 23.

In previous elections, there were some problems, said the head of OSCE Office in Baku, Ambassador Ali Bilge Cankorel.

"Basically, the problems were related to the lack of dialogue between political parties, issues such as the formation of election commissions, voting of military personnel, intervention of the heads and bodies of executive power in the electoral process, intervention of the executive bodies in the press during the election campaign and during the elections, the participation of independent observers, and observers from political parties," said the ambassador.

Such seminars will enhance credibility of the electoral process for all parties, as well as relations between the representatives of political organizations in the regions.

The OSCE Office in Baku will also hold training sessions for long-term and short-term independent observers. Workshops will be held on the basis of OSCE commitments for democratic elections and the electoral legislation of Azerbaijan.

Volunteer observers can use hotline services and legal advice.

/Trend News/