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Civil Forum â€œPre-election democratic freedoms in Azerbaijanâ€ held in Baku

27 June 2008 12:37 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Mahbuba Gasimbayli-APA. Civil Forum â€œPre-election democratic freedoms in Azerbaijanâ€ has been held in Baku today. APA reports that the forum was organized by Institute for Peace and Democracy. Chief of the organization Leyla Yunus addressing the event said democratic elections with the existing legislation will be possible, if there is political will. Chairman of Law Enlightenment Society Intigam Aliyev said that the situation was complicated in Azerbaijani courts on the eve of the elections. The lawyer said none of the hundred appeals filed to the courts by civil society recently were granted and noted that the number of the appeals sent to the European Court of Human Rights from Azerbaijan increased.
MP Panah Huseyn said it would be impossible to hold free and fair elections in Azerbaijan with the present legislation. He underlined that the opposition should have discussions in connection with political tactics again. Chairman of Umid (Hope) Party, MP Igbal Agazadeh said that the amendments made to the electoral legislation were not to the extent desired by the Azerbaijani society. He also said that political will was the main element for holding democratic elections. Taking a stance on boycotting the elections, Igbal Agazadeh said the opposition had not believed that previous elections would be democratic, but struggled.
â€œWill the West or international organizations struggle instead of us?â€ he said.
Chairman of Adalat (Justice) Party, MP Ilyas Ismayilov said the supporters of boycott and participation in the elections had their arguments and noted that struggle was necessary for holding democratic elections.
MP Nasib Nasibli mentioned that boycotting tactics in the previous elections gave no results.
â€œChoosing boycotting tactics means refusing struggle,â€ he said.
Leader of National Unity Movement Lala Shovkat said that boycotting the elections or participating in the elections should not be discussed.
â€œEveryone has his position, every politician has his right. We should respect each other,â€ she said.