US embassy issues mixed feedback on election law changes
The spokesman for the US embassy in Baku has cited both
improvements and shortfalls in the latest changes made to
Azerbaijan's election laws.
"We see both positive and negative sides to the amendments and addenda introduced to the Election Code," Johnatan Henick said.
He said there were mostly negative changes with regard to the pre-election period. The term of campaigns and air time allocated for propaganda on television were reduced.
At the same time, Henick said there were certain positive changes concerning the post-election period, mostly pertaining to the procedure of considering complaints.
The Azerbaijani parliament on June 2 passed a law on changes to the country's Election Code. The measure caused discontent of numerous international groups and the opposition.
Under the changes adopted by the overwhelming majority of the lawmakers, the term of pre-election campaigns was reduced from 120 to 75 days. 40,000 signatures are required for the registration of candidates instead of the previous 45,000, and the system of placing deposits by election hopefuls was cancelled. The amount of funds raised by presidential nominees was increased 10 times to 10 million manats ($12 million).
"We see both positive and negative sides to the amendments and addenda introduced to the Election Code," Johnatan Henick said.
He said there were mostly negative changes with regard to the pre-election period. The term of campaigns and air time allocated for propaganda on television were reduced.
At the same time, Henick said there were certain positive changes concerning the post-election period, mostly pertaining to the procedure of considering complaints.
The Azerbaijani parliament on June 2 passed a law on changes to the country's Election Code. The measure caused discontent of numerous international groups and the opposition.
Under the changes adopted by the overwhelming majority of the lawmakers, the term of pre-election campaigns was reduced from 120 to 75 days. 40,000 signatures are required for the registration of candidates instead of the previous 45,000, and the system of placing deposits by election hopefuls was cancelled. The amount of funds raised by presidential nominees was increased 10 times to 10 million manats ($12 million).
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