The Election Monitoring Centre (EMC) of non-governmental organizations was established on July 24, 2001 on the initiative of 8 NGOs in Azerbaijan.  The EMC works in the direction of the development of the election system, improvement of the election legislation, organization of monitoring in the election process, creation of the democratic election environment, and assistance to hold a democratic election. (26 July 2004)

 

 
Press conference

 

Executive Director of the Election Monitoring Center (EMC) of Non-Governmental Organizations Anar Mammadly and members of the Board of Directors of this organization – Sevil Hamidova, Asif Nasibly, Mushfig Alaskarly, and Ilgar Huseynly held a press conference at International Press Center on July 23. Pointing at the third anniversary of EMC, the organizers gave information about this election coalition’s activity during the past period. 

Targets

The  EMC was established by 8 NGOs on July 24, 2001 and now consists of 12 organizations.
Executive Director of EMC Anar Mammadly stated that through the past period the coalition acted on voter education, voter participation, democratization of election legislation, monitoring upon elections, preparation of local observers, and strengthening confidence between opponent political sides. He has been upset that none public-political organization replied on EMC’s proposal sent to political parties and the government 2 months ago and concerning election legislation and local administration.

Pending problems

Members of the Board of Directors of EMC told on achievements and difficulties met in 3 years. Mushfig Alaskarly, the chairman of Journalists Trade Union, stated that despite the numerous attempts the election legislation has not been perfected, as well as obstacles for local observers journalists during election monitoring have not been removed.
Sevda Hamidova, the president of Institute for Political Pluralism, considers EMC’s report on the last president elections more operative and impartial and thinks such consideration will strengthen up. She thanked the US NDI, IFES, USAID, and other international organizations for their support.
Asif Nasibly, the president of Center for Political and Economic Reforms, pointed at EMC’s influence and experience not only upon local elections but also during international missions. Among national NGOs only representatives of EMC monitored elections in NIS, Central and Eastern Europe, as well as the US last Democratic Party primaries. EMC’s 2 delegates monitored the primaries in different states 5 months ago are ready to educate this experience in Azerbaijan. 

Actions for nearing municipal elections due December

Answering on journalists’ questions about the next municipality elections EMC leaders stated their will to organize observation and monitoring of the elections in collaboration with governmental and non-governmental institutions, international organizations using new methods.
Organizers shared the information on EMC’s activity in different directions during the next municipality elections. These mainly are the preparation for elections, strengthening voter activity, and elections monitoring.
It is necessary to note, that since this July EMC started implementation of its program “Organization of the Public Forums of Candidates for Municipality Elections”. In the framework of the project, Public Forums for candidates, voters, community members, and representatives on NGOs and mass media will be organized in municipalities situated in Baku and 7 regions of the country.  Before the Forums will be printed a catalogue consisting of information on activity of these municipalities during the past period, regions where they are situated, resources, and etc. The project is aimed to assist to development of community-municipality relations, strengthen voter activity and citizens’ interest to local governance and donated by British Embassy. 
 
website:   www.emc-az.org