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New director of OSCE/ODIHR: The crucial issue is how the Election Code will be implemented - EXCLUSIVE

New director of OSCE/ODIHR: The crucial issue is how the Election Code will be implemented -<font color=red> EXCLUSIVE</font>

29 July 2008 13:25 (UTC +04:00)

-OSCEODIHR and Venice Commission are not fully satisfied with the amendments made to the Election Code of Azerbaijan. Do you believe it is still possible to have free and fair elections with this code?

-The OSCE/ODIHR, together with the Venice Commission, has recently issued an opinion on the amendments to the Election Code. Some of the amendments have the potential to improve the election process if appropriately implemented, but there are also some aspects of the law that could be further improved, particularly regarding the composition of election commissions and the conduct of the campaign. The crucial issue is how the Election Code will be implemented. I am confident that the authorities can conduct democratic elections if there is the will to do so.

-Azerbaijan has accepted a new law on freedom of assembly, but the opposition blames the authorities for not intending to implement it. How do you think it will influence the pre-election situation?

-Freedom of assembly is an important aspect of both the official election campaign period and the pre-campaign period. Now that the legal situation has been improved, according to the assessment of the Venice Commission, I hope that the authorities will ensure that its implementation in practice genuinely expands the ability for citizens to assemble peacefully, and for political parties and potential candidates to communicate their views to voters.

-When will the long-term and short-term election missions come to Azerbaijan? Azeri opposition proposed Needs Assessment Mission (NAM) of OSCE not to send a mission to Azerbaijan. How can you comment on this?

-The ODIHR heard this view during its recent visit but also heard the view that an observation mission should be deployed. The ODIHR received assurances from the authorities that the conduct of the presidential elections will reflect improvements in the election process and that Azerbaijan intends to meet its OSCE commitments. The ODIHR will be in a position to provide more specific information on the mission once an official invitation has been received.

-Three journalists and some famous people are still in prison in Azerbaijan. How do you think it will influence free and fair elections?

-A free media is a crucial part of conducting elections in accordance with democratic principles. This is an area that continues to generate considerable concern. The ODIHR supports the statements and recommendations of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media in this respect. The Election Observation Mission will assess the situation of the media during the election period, in accordance with its mandate.

-What will OSCE and particular your office do after the elections in Azerbaijan?

-It is our role to monitor elections on the basis of OSCE commitments, and report on what we observe. Our final report will include a detailed assessment of the election as well as recommendations on how any possible shortcomings could be addressed in the future. This report then can serve as a basis for follow-up action by the national authorities as well as the appropriate political bodies both in Azerbaijan and internationally.