The 6 November elections of Azerbaijan continue to be the issue of concern and regret of numerous international / diplomatic missions in Azerbaijan. Having observed the elections in a number of polling stations, the international representatives cannot help making their comments on the topic (09-NOV-2005).
Deep regrets of Norwegian Government
On the 8-th of November the Norwegian Ambassador Steinar Gil noted that elections were a step back for democracy in Azerbaijan. “The Norwegian government deeply regrets that the conduct of the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan was far from satisfying international standards. The Norwegian government urges Azerbaijani authorities to ensure punishment for everyone has committed fraud and taken part in harassment in connection with the elections,” is mentioned in the statement of Norwegian government.
Ambassador Steinar Gill told that all violations of law at polling stations must be investigated and proper assessment must be given to them. He added that presidential decree on improvement of electoral practice is “an important document.” Ambassador made it clear that if the principle of formation of electoral commissions is changed, this could play an important role in improvement of electoral practice. “We think that Azerbaijan has all required technical means to conduct democratic elections,” said Ambassador.
Berit Lindeman from the Norwegian Helsinki Committe said to the Azadliq newspaper on November 9 that the internationals companies placed in Azerbaijan should use their influence towards the Azerbaijani government.
Disappointment of US Helsinki Commissioners
On the 8-th of November Commissioners of the U.S. Helsinki Commission voiced disappointment in Washington about the elections in Azerbaijan, complaining that they were marred by numerous procedural violations, ballot stuffing, and government intimidation of opposition supporters.
“We were hoping this election would mark a first step for democracy in Azerbaijan. Leading up to the election, the President of Azerbaijan made technical improvements designed to make the election as free and fair as possible. Unfortunately, the authorities who implemented the election did not pass the test. As is clear from the OSCE assessment, Baku has failed to fully observe its obligations under the Helsinki Final Act, hindering the democratic process in Azerbaijan,” said Commission Chairman Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS).
“The high expectation that the elections would move democratization forward in Azerbaijan has, regretfully, not been realized,” added Commission Co-Chairman, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ). “Not only did the Azeri elections not meet international standards, any improvements in the election process itself were later undermined by fraud after the polls closed.”
“There is not even the pretense that the elections results are legitimate,” said Commission Ranking Member, Rep. Ben Cardin (D-MD). “It is not at all clear where Azerbaijan goes from here, but I am not optimistic. The international community is clearly going to have to make its displeasure heard.”
US State Department about Elections
On the 7-th of November the deputy spokesman of the State Department Adam Ereli expressed opinion of the official Washington towards the results of the parliament elections in Azerbaijan at the briefing in Washington.
He mentioned that despite of some improvements, there were major irregularities and fraud that are of serious concern. State Department urges the government of Azerbaijan to take immediate investigations into these irregularities and fraud consistent with Azerbaijan´s laws, institutions and election legislation. “All protests and demonstrations need to be peaceful, legal and all the parties should refrain from violence”, reads the statement.
Adam Ereli noted that the first issue is to establish the facts; second – to take action that is provided for in Azeri law; and third – to try to produce an electoral result that is accepted as credible and representative of the will of the people”.
The EU calls Azerbaijani Government to investigate the fraud
The Presidency of the European Union shares the concerns of the OSCE/ODIHR International Election Observation Mission connected with Parliamentary elections. But the Presidency of the EU notes the disappointment with the assessment of the OSCE/ODIHR observation mission that the 6 November parliamentary elections fell short of OSCE, Council of Europe, and other European standards. In addition to problems relating to the campaign, which the EU raised in earlier statements, the Presidency of the EU is particularly concerned at reports of serious problems in the counting and tabulation of votes in a large number of constituencies, and at reports of interference by a number of Heads of local authorities in support of individual candidates.
It is essential that in those constituencies where complaints of fraud and malpractice have been made, the complaints are investigated fully, quickly and in a transparent manner, and that relevant action is taken as necessary. The Presidency of the EU will pay close attention to the way in which such complaints are handled.
The Presidency of the EU urges all parties and their supporters in this election, and the authorities, to respect due process of law and to refrain from violent confrontation.
