Azernews.Az

BAKU – A series of OSCE-supported information sessions for Azerbaijani executive officials on non-interference in the electoral process began Monday.

The sessions, organized for the heads of executive powers and chairpersons of the constituency election commissions by the OSCE Office in Baku in co-operation with the Presidential Administration and the Central Election Commission, outline the basic principles of democratic elections and the provisions on non-interference in Azerbaijan's Electoral Code. They also clarify the role of the executive authorities, and emphasize the independence and responsibilities of the election commissions.

The sessions will also be organized in the coming days in Shirvan, Mingachevir and Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, well in advance of the November 7 parliamentary elections.

Bilge Cankorel, the head of the OSCE Office in Baku, in his opening remarks recalled the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights election observation mission's final report on the October 2008 presidential elections, which noted that the "instances of interference in the election process by state and local authorities were fewer than in previous elections."

However, Cankorel believes interference with the electoral process has not yet been eliminated. He said some heads of constituency election commissions and executive bodies have been dismissed in the wake of violations.

"Such instances, though not frequent, are undesirable. These instances should not re-occur during the parliamentary elections."

Ali Hasanov, the head of the Presidential Administration socio-political department, said another "election test" is ahead for Azerbaijan on November 7. He said the role of executive authorities was to create a proper election climate in the country. Moreover, public order should be particularly ensured in certain locations on election day.

"Executive authorities should fulfill their duties as impartial bodies. And elections are not confined to election day, so, a free election climate should be provided during the entire election campaign period. Executive authorities are to create equal conditions for all candidates, political parties and blocs. No one should be discriminated against."

Hasanov noted that executive authorities should prevent administrative resources from favoring any given candidate.

The presidential aide said that unlike previous elections, all political forces in Azerbaijan have joined the election race.

"All contesting parties have stated they would participate in the electoral process," he said, adding that executive authorities should take this into consideration and facilitate the conduct of the forthcoming vote in an environment of staunch rivalry.

The information sessions will address in particular the interference of local executive authorities in the registration of candidates and the voting process that reportedly took place during the 2009 municipal elections.