AZERBAIJAN GOVERNMENT WANTS ELECTION COMMISSIONS TO BE INDEPENDENT IN ALL CASES
Azerbaijani government, in all cases, wants election commissions to be independent. Only laws and legal principles should define the will of election institutions.
This opinion was voiced during “round table” meeting held Friday by Venice Commission of the Council of Europe and International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES) to discuss the composition of election commissions in Azerbaijan.
Speaking at the event, Head of the Azerbaijani President`s Office socio-political department Ali Hasanov said election system is one of the important aspects for the democratic society. He pointed out that Azerbaijan government pays more attention to recognition of citizens’ rights to elect and be elected.
Mr. Hasanov said the power would respect any decision by all political parties on composition of election commissions. “But on one condition that not to make a discrimination among political parties for their being big or small, and not to make artificial efforts to define who is leading or non-leading” he added.
Head of President’s office division noted that in democratic countries politicization of election institutions is not considered a normal case. He stressed that politicized election institutions is away from professionalism and legal responsibilities.
Mr. Hasanov also said that the President’s Office has no new proposal in connection with composition of election commissions. “We consider that the present commissions are acceptable for today. But if these commission do not justify confidence for any part of the society, we are ready to solve it.”
COE Secretary General’s special envoy in Azerbaijan Denis Bribosia, for his turn, said that Azerbaijan has fulfilled many of its obligations on improvement of election legislation.
IFES Director for Azerbaijan Daniel Blessington noted that free and fair elections are key for democratic society.
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