Council of Europe on elections in Azerbaijan: "Some improvement, but much still to do"

"We noted a general technical improvement in the organization of the elections process, in line with European standards, but unfortunately we also observed serious irregularities for example mismatch between signatures registered on the voting list and votes found in the ballot box, family voting, multiple similar signatures on the voters lists, over-zealous assistance within in the polling booth... declared Ludmila Sfirloaga, head of the delegation. And - she added- although the election day was calm and voting took place inside polling centres in an orderly manner, there are other important commitments still to fulfill."

The local democracy in the Republic of Azerbaijan should be based more on real powers and resources for local authorities, in the full respect of the implementation of the European Charter of Local Self-Government signed and ratified in 2002, and based on clear political commitment.

"In fact the lack of any dynamic electoral campaign, the decision of the main opposition parties not to participate in the elections and the still relatively weak participation in the vote seems to demonstrate that meaningful local democracy is not yet one of the political priorities in the Republic of Azerbaijan," she declared.

As in 2004, the Congress delegation again reiterates the need to facilitate the full recognition of the powers and the responsibilities of the local authorities. The setting up of specific actions and programs for information and training of all involved people must be the field where the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Congress of the Council of Europe should come together.

With progressive and positive commitment by the Government and the Congress the quality of life for all the people will improve.

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