Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

The European Union (EU) delegation jointly with the EU Heads of Mission of member countries and in association with the diplomatic missions of the U.S. and Norway issued a statement on the 2013 presidential elections and support for democracy in Azerbaijan, the EU Baku Office said on August 28.

In the light of approaching elections, the EU delegation to Azerbaijan expressed its sincere desire and hope for an inclusive, transparent and credible electoral process.

"As Azerbaijan is currently a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and as it will hold the Presidency of the Council of Europe next year, the following aspects take on an even greater importance and more public character," the statement said. "We encourage the government to ensure the necessary conditions for the functioning of a free and open space for democratic political expression and freedom of assembly. We encourage the government to engage the full spectrum of society in a constructive dialogue, including independent, non-governmental civil society organizations. We recommend that the government work closely with international partners, especially the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, to support the conduct of inclusive, transparent and credible elections."

The EU voiced its readiness to support the government's efforts and the efforts of civil society representatives who are willing to enter a constructive dialogue with the government about the steps each can take to prepare and provide for a fully inclusive, transparent and credible election process, the statement noted.

Earlier the EU Baku office reported that head of the EU delegation to Azerbaijan Roland Kobia welcomes the agreement between the government of Azerbaijan and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to enable an election observation mission to monitor the presidential elections in Azerbaijan, which will be held on October 9.

Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry reported on August 15 that Azerbaijan has invited international organizations to observe the October 9 elections.

The CEC expects that a significant number of people will observe the elections this time and they are not required to obtain permission from anyone to do so.

Head of the Azerbaijani delegation to Euronest Parliamentary Assembly Elkhan Suleymanov said in July that the European Parliament announced Azerbaijan is no longer included in the list of countries where an observation mission is needed at elections.

The presidential elections in Azerbaijan will be held on October 9.

According to the Constitution, the president of Azerbaijan is elected for a five-year term through general, direct and equal elections, by free, private and secret voting.

Azerbaijani citizens who have the right of election, an initiative group of electors, political parties and blocs of political parties are entitled to nominating candidates.