Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

Sometimes the methodology, used by international organizations in any country for the evaluation of elections, is implemented on the basis of other countries' interests, Head of the Presidential Administration's social and political affairs department Ali Hasanov said on July 30.

"There are up to 100 non-governmental organizations in the world, which are created by the decision of U.S. Congress and receive up to $200 billion a year," Hasanov said during his lecture on "Transparency institutes in election processes and the role of media outlets" at the second day of specialized courses on electoral law for the chairs of district election commissions, which took place in Azerbaijani Central Election Commission (CEC).

"Only the U.S. and the countries subjected to pressures of these NGOs are aware of the purpose of these financial allocations. In some cases, there is an intervention into other countries' affairs, their legitimately elected presidents are shifted, and the revenues of these countries are appropriated," he said.

He also informed the participants on the history and role of NGOs conducting activity in the Azerbaijani society and said that if earlier the NGOs were financed through the government, currently they have become independent.

Today there are more than 3,500 NGOs in Azerbaijan, which cover various fields of activity, he said.

Hasanov also spoke about the role of the mass media and said that in order to maintain the political pluralism in the country, mass media should be independent.

"The activity of mass media consists of not only treatment of work of the CEC during the elections, but also to provide the transparency of all the process by treating the pre - election atmosphere. National Leader Heydar Aliyev suspended the censure over mass media in 1998 and since then and today they independently conduct their activity," he said.

Hasanov went on to say that the political parties play special role in the electoral system of Azerbaijan as the institutions of political parties act as the guarantor of existence of the state and democracy in the domestic and foreign policy.

Hasanov also noted that after the return of National Leader Heydar Aliyev to power, constitutional reforms were carried out in Azerbaijan. The Constitution of Azerbaijan, adopted in 1995, proves that the people are the source of power, he added.

Answering journalists' questions, Hasanov said the Azerbaijani government is implementing its will through the way defined by the country's people.

"But in general, together with the international organizations, we study certain international experience, the most important one, the one serving to the people of Azerbaijan, state's development and apply it in Azerbaijan, take it into consideration and realize it," Hasanov said.

He also added that unfortunately sometimes Azerbaijan faces pressure from the international community.

"We assess this pressure within the existing rules and the country's interests, any pressure is unacceptable for Azerbaijan, but we take into account the recommendations".

Answering to a question about the dialogue with the opposition, Hasanov said that now such a stage of elections comes when the contacts with the opposition are inevitable and necessary.

"At present, the negotiations are underway with the OSCE regarding this issue," Hasanov said.

"As always, the OSCE has the practice of holding the pre-election workshops with the heads and members of various political parties, as well as holding transparent discussion on urgent issues and decision making," he added.

"I think the same experience will be applied this year, and on the eve of elections, meetings will be held with the heads of political parties, who expressed a desire to participate in the elections," Hasanov underscored.

Furthermore, according to Hasanov, the presidential elections will be fair and transparent this time as well and the most worthy candidate will win.

"By contacting with the international organizations, the Azerbaijani government is conducting certain work to improve the election practice, using the international practice in holding the transparent and fair elections," he added.

"We are conducting certain work with such relevant organizations as the OSCE, the EU and the Council of Europe," Hasanov stressed.

"The voters will be able to freely express their will and decision," he added. "The results of the elections will be compiled and announced in a transparent manner."

The presidential elections in Azerbaijan are scheduled for fall. The final decision on the date of the elections will be announced on August 2.

The courses on electoral law conducted by the CEC aim to educate members of the lower election commissions in accordance with the 'National Action Plan to improve the protection of human rights and freedoms in Azerbaijan' approved by the December 2011 decree of the Azerbaijani President.