Azernews.Az

Friday March 29 2024

Baku ensures media participation in elections

2 October 2015 17:26 (UTC+04:00)
Baku ensures media participation in elections

By Aynur Karimova

Azerbaijan has held up to 15 electoral procedures since the country gained independence, and the government has each time ensured participation of the media outlets in these processes.

This remark was made by Ali Hasanov, Azerbaijan’s presidential aide for public and political affairs, at a seminar titled “Election to Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis: The Roles and Duties of Media in the Pre-election Campaigning Process” on October 2.

“The elections, held so far in Azerbaijan, have been democratic and fair,” he said.

He also noted that certain shortcomings are not ruled out as no country is insured against them, but according to the general results of the elections, they have been held fairly and democratically.

“I believe this election too will be no exception,” Hasanov said. “The election depends on the mood of society, the social environment, and the created conditions.”

Hasanov went on to add that the Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan has taken all the necessary actions for fair elections in the country.

Regarding the media, Hasanov noted that a journalist identification card is enough for members of the media to be able to observe the electoral process from the beginning till the end.

"We regard media as an important participant in elections,” the top official said. “Its task is to truthfully analyze the electoral environment, to become familiar with the population’s election mood and its activeness."

Media is the only institution for conveying these processes to society.

“Sometimes, some circles cannot objectively assess the conclusion of the CEC, however, the media assesses it objectively,” Hasanov said. “From this point of view, the role of the press is priceless. Media should create equal conditions for all sides, including political parties and blocks participating in elections."

Hasanov also urged the mass media to act in accordance with the law on mass media, electoral law, as well as the pluralistic policy pursued by the state and to cover all candidates equally.

In his remarks, CEC Chairman Mazahir Panahov said that it is necessary to make every effort so that no one could cast a shadow over the upcoming November 1 parliamentary elections.

He noted that the CEC has always cooperated with media representatives.

“We have always tried to ensure the participation of not only local, but also foreign media in our events,” Panahov said, adding that over 1,700 people have appealed to CEC to nominate their candidacies for participation in the parliamentary elections.

Preparations for this year’s elections are in full swing. Campaigning will begin on October 9 and will last until 8:00 a.m. October 31, exactly 23 days before voting as required by law.

The submission of all election documents necessary for the registration of candidates to district election commissions ended on October 2.

According to the law of Azerbaijan "On freedom of assembly," some 128 public and 128 private locations have been designated for candidates to meet with voters in 117 electoral districts throughout the country.

As of October 2, the number of candidates registered by the CEC to participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections reached 882 people.

Also, 1,823 people appealed to the CEC to register their candidacies, some 572 of which were put forward by political parties, 62 from the “Azadlig-2015” political bloc, three from initiative groups, while 1,186 of them are self-nominated candidates.

As of October 2, some 10 NGOs have been registered with the CEC to monitor parliamentary elections in the country, 91 persons are self-nominated observers, and one person received a special permit.

--

Aynur Karimova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Aynur_Karimova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz

Loading...
Latest See more