Statement by EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs on early parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan

Statement by EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs on early parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan
# 11 February 2020 13:59 (UTC +04:00)

EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs has issued a statement on early parliamentary elections held on February 9 in Azerbaijan, APA reports.

According to the statement, as noted by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) Election Observation Mission, the Central Electoral Commission made efforts to act transparently and was welcoming towards international observers.

The spokesperson noted on the statement that according to the OSCE/ODIHR’s preliminary assessment, despite a high number of candidates, there was no genuine competition in the elections because of the restrictive legislation and political environment, some opposition parties boycotted citing the restrictive environment, not ensuring the European court decisions prevented some candidates from running in elections. As highlighted by the OSCE/ODIH, violations during the counting of ballots are of concern.

“The European Union regrets that recommendations by OSCE/ODIHR and the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission still have to be addressed. The EU stands ready to assist Azerbaijan in this process.

The EU looks forward to continuing dialogue and working closely with Azerbaijani institutions, including the newly elected Parliament, for the benefit of all citizens,” the statement reads.

#
#

THE OPERATION IS BEING PERFORMED