Less than two weeks remain till the parliamentary elections. It is possible to say that now is the last stage of the election campaign. It is necessary to act so that the final stage of this campaign develops successfully and in accordance with the law. In general, I can say that election campaign goes successfully. First of all, there were no problems with registration. Registration of more than two thousand candidates in itself testifies that trust of the population in elections is at a very high level. Conducting fair and transparent elections in Azerbaijan is in our common interest. I am pleased that more than two thousand people have joined the elections process to test their potential. I consider that the following phase was successful as a whole. No problems have been observed in campaigning. Equal, identical conditions have been created for all candidates. Each candidate has addressed the voters on TV. No discrimination has been allowed. All candidates, irrespective of political beliefs and party affiliation can use both paid and free-of-charge broadcasting time. The campaign development as of now testifies that each candidate freely and openly addresses the voters. I think that it is a very positive fact. All of us are witnesses of open and transparent campaigning on the Azerbaijan state TV, Public TV and private channels. At the same time, necessary conditions were created for each candidate to carry out local meetings. As is known to me, these meetings are carried out in all regions of Azerbaijana and there are no obstacles.

I repeatedly instructed local executive authorities that for all candidates equal conditions should be created. Without any discrimination, the candidates should be provided with equal conditions for conducting meetings both in open air and indoors. I can say in general that a very positive picture is observed in this area. Short of several complaints, in overwhelming majority of cases all meetings were carried out freely. It testifies to fair carrying out of campaign as a whole and once again expresses our intention. It also shows, that all principles and intentions declared by us are implemented. This is what my goal is.

Parliamentary elections play an extremely important role in the democratic development of Azerbaijan. I hope the newly formed parliament will continue its lawmaking in Azerbaijan and new progressive laws will be passed. Azerbaijan has already joined a number of international conventions and this process should speed up in the future.

As you know, Azerbaijan has been a member of the Council of Europe for several years, and has honored all commitments it undertook upon accession to the organization. Thus, the speed of democratic processes in Azerbaijan is increasing. We want our country to be even more democratic, our society more free, and most progressive international practices to find their manifestation in Azerbaijan. From this standpoint, it is in our interest that the parliamentary elections be fair, transparent and free. On one hand, it will play a key role in the development of our society, on the other hand, I hope, it will give a powerful impetus to Azerbaijan’s integration in the European structures.

As you are aware, various speculations and opinions about the elections have been expressed over the last several months. There is great interest to the elections in our society. It is a very positive sign. At the same time, there is considerable ineterst to our elections abroad. It is not by chance that close to 1500 foreign observers are to arrive to Azerbaijan to monitor the elections. This number is unprecedented: 1500 observers in an eight-million country, this number is very high. Keeping in mind that there are over 4500 polling stations in Azerbaijan, one can say in the vast majority of them the elections will be observed in any case. The elections will also be observed by thousands of local observers, who, as you are aware, represent various political parties.

I want to repeat, that, all in all, I am satisfied with the course of the campaign. I think we should do our best in the remaining days to cope with the oustanding issues. On 11 of May, I signed the Executive Order on improvement of the election practices in Azerbaijan. The Order was received very positively by the public. It creates conditions for normal and fair conduct of the elections. The Order as well as the Election Code displays even more explicitly our intentions. During my visits to the regions where I met with local authorities and population, I especially underlined the importance of the upcoming elections demanding from the local executive bodies fulfill the tasks contained in the Order, do not interfere in the election process and provide no support to individual candidates, do not participate in the campaign. They should simply fulfill their duties to ensure due election process.

I would say that provisions of both the Election Code and the Order are mostly implemented and honored. Along with that, of course, specific problems remain. We take and should take measures immediately to solve these problems, which is quite natural, since Azerbaijan is experiencing the transition period. Process of establishing democratic society in Azerbaijan is going on rapidly. It is a very positive development. Yet it goes witout doubt that, achieving radical changes in this field in a day or several months requires very serious work, and such work is being accomplished. This election campaign is different from the previous ones, and I think the outcomes of these elections will reflect the will of the Azerbaijani people.

At the same time, certain problems arise in the course of the election campaign, and we must immediately react to each of them and find ways of their settling. We should not approach any issue as a dogma. We must think what else should be done for the election to be fair. I consider the existing Election Code and my Order already provide quite normal conditions for that. As you know, the position of the OSCE mission observing our elections is approximately the same. They have declared that democratic elections are possible in Azerbaijan if the existing Election Code and the Presidential Order are followed. At the same time, we must solve existing problems. Relevant instructions will be given and decisions will be taken to that end.

First, we cannot be satisfied with the process of voter cards distribution since, to my knowledge (probably, you also have these reports), some citizens were not provided with voter cards at, while in some cases one voter received several. There are cases when the card has not been sent out at all. In general, use of voter cards was recommended by international organizations with the aim to ensure transparency of the election process and, all in all, it is very positive and praiseworthy step. Yet, unfortunately, we couldn’t provide for its full implementation. Therefore, it may create certain problems on the elections day. We must not allow that to happen.

But I think that in these cases we should give thought to other ways and take concrete steps to eliminate problems, which may arise in this regard. I believe that – as an exceptional and temporary measure – we should consider the possibility of marking voters’ fingers with invisible ink at the time of receiving ballots on the elections day.

This suggestion was put forward also by certain international organizations. It is true that we do not see it as something pressing, since voter cards have already settled the issue. But for the case we encounter problems in distributing the voter cards, I consider it is possible to look at the issue, so that transparency of the elections is not in doubt. You are already aware, that part of the political spectrum of Azerbaijan does not intend to recognize the outcome of the elections. We hear that from the media, we observe that and we are aware that, in any case, those forces who constantly lose the elections, most probably will not accept the results of the elections this time either, while trying to accuse us under various pretexts. It happened this way in the past as well and development shows that during these elections this can not be excluded as well. I hope that this practice, which is new for us, meaning finger-inking will eliminate unfounded accusations. Therefore, I consider that this issue should be debated and reviewed.At the same time, there are certain problems will the distribution of personal identification cards. We have dealt with that issue most profoundly and have always been promised that the cards would be distributed in time. To be fair, I have to say that, indeed, in the recent months very intense activity has been carried out in that regard. It is possible to say that the overwhelming majority of the personal identification cards has been distributed. Yet, we are also aware that there are citizens who do not possess them. We should look for a way out of this situation. Now, possibly, it is time for the Central Election Commission to consider that. Maybe, we should allow voting on the elections day on the old passports. But, of course, there is still time and if 100% of the identification cards are not distributed in these few days we can always look at this alternative.

Local executive bodies should check whether the buildings of election commissions and voting rooms are prepared for the polls. At the same time, security vis-а-vis the ballots, buildings of district and precinct commissions on the elections day. Necessary measures should be undertaken for uninterrupted communications and energy supply to the buildings of district and precinct election commissions. This is the portfolio of the Azerenergy Joint-Stock Company and Ministry of Communications and Information Technologies. We need to take steps such as ensure that no problem occurs with neither communications, nor electricity.

Once again I would like to say that sometimes there have been inappropriate and unnecessary intrusions by the local executive authorities. I can state that these were exceptions and in the vast majority of instances this was not the case. Yet, again I demand that my representatives in the regions do not interfere illegally in the last days.

Sometimes we receive information that representatives of local executive authorities sympathize with certain candidates. There are also reports that some heads of executive bodies take part in the pre-election events together with candidates. It is inadmissible. I warn all heads of the executive bodies, those who allow such cases: stop doing so. First, there is my Order, second, I have brought you together a few months ago, on the first day of the election campaign, and instructed you: “Stay away, do not interfere.”

The people of Azerbaijan are wise and know whom to elect. Let them elect those whom they wish. I know that some chief executives have their “favorites”. They want to help those who are close to them. Such things used to take place in the past, too. Heads of local executive bodies were striving for the parliamentarians elected from their districts to act on their instructions and to not interfere in their business. In some cases, disagreements and conflicts used to occur between local parliamentarians and heads of the executive. Maybe someone likes somebody else. If you like somebody, you can meet those people after official business hours. But I’m stating once again, I shall not allow anybody to give a push to his people in the elections, and for the reasons of his/her own spoil our work in this field. It will not be allowed and those who do that will be punished severely.

I have already noted that the elections are of great significance for normal development of Azerbaijan. Why should we discredit ourselves because of a single candidate? So, you should approach this issue seriously. Let everyone come to his own conclusion. If somebody is doing that, let them stop.

I say once again: such cases are extraordinary, but they must be eliminated fully. The reports on violations of the election rights with presumed criminal element that the Central Election Commission sends to the Office of the Prosecutor General must be investigated thoroughly. If need be, a well-motivated decision on whether to open a criminal case should be adopted.

There is another innovation in these elections, the exit polls. This is the first time we are to use this method. My Executive Order states clearly the conduct of the exit poll. And you should do your best to assist those who will conduct the exit poll if needed. If not, however, you should not interfere. Assist if you are requested to do so. If not, do not intrude. It is new for us. This method is widely used in the developed countries. In Azerbaijan, it is to be used for the first time.

Correct, in the of Presidential election some local organizations conducted a similar opinion polling. But this time foreign and international groups will be conducting the exit-poll. Probably, local groups will want to do that, too. So, do not obstruct.

Finally, I think the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan should be recommended to discuss removing from the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On non-governmental organizations (public associations and foundations)” the ban on observation in the presidential, parliamentary and municipal elections conducted in the Republic of Azerbaijan by the NGOs with more than 30 percent share in the seed capital of or financed in other way by foreign legal and physical entities. This question was also raised by international organizations. I consider that the Milli Majlis can look at that. In a word, we must do everything so that no one has even a slightest doubt that the upcoming elections in Azerbaijan are fair and transparent, and that this is what the intentions of the Azerbaijan government and its President are. Thus, we must do whatever necessary. At the same time, everything must be within the framework of law. Nobody should be allowed to break the law, no one should have any special privileges. All the candidates, political parties and their blocs should proceed based on the law.

Freedom of assembly is provided in Azerbaijan. Not a single problem emerged in this connection in the provinces and freedom of assembly has been upheld. Yet in Baku, recently the opposition has created artificial problems. And these problems were dealt with. It is clear what their actions are based on. Since the inauguration of the election campaign, all the political forces and parties held their rallies on the Gelebe Square: both opposition parties and the Yeni Azerbaijan. As chairman of this party, I personally participated in our party’s rally in the Gelebe Square.

If you recall, all the 2003 presidential election campaign was held in the Gelebe Square. It never led to questioning the appropriateness of the square, or the need for another venue. Since the beginning of the 2005 campaign, opposition, ruling party and other parties used this square to hold rallies freely and under the condition of upholding public order, and there were no questions. So, why did they change their mind? We are aware of the reason. They knew from the beginning the city authorities would not allow them to gather on Jafar Jabbarly Square. Therefore, a confrontation would be provoked. The opposition considered that through this confrontation they would somehow gain advantage or violate the law through force. They were aiming for the confrontation quite deliberately.

But the law is the same for everybody in Azerbaijan. All the violations have been so far and will be dealt with in the future. Let those who wish to freely gather and hold rally do so in the places specified for these purposes.

I want to stress that, as a goodwill gesture the city authorities have designated five squares for the opposition. Territorially, they are all number of times larger than the Jafar Jabbarly square. Nobody will allow actions countering the law. I consider that the opposition, too, understood that by now. Today, I have been informed that they are not going to hold the next unsanctioned rally. This is a positive fact, I think. The opposition also develops through the ways of evolution. They understand now that they should not use this language when speaking to us. We will allow no illegal steps.

I want to repeat that every condition has been created for the elections to be held properly. We did our best for every candidate to be able to conduct his pre-election campaign freely, and for the election practices to be improved in Azerbaijan. I hope the measures undertaken will allow us to ensure fair elections in Azerbaijan on 6 October. The elections will take place and reflect the Azerbaijani people’s will. This will provide new opportunities for comprehensive democratic development in Azerbaijan.

My instruction to you is, again, to implement my recommendations on the local level and not allow any violations of the law. Wherever there are troubling facts and the law is violated, you should take immediate measures or inform us. That is all. Thank you.