CIS observers begin long-term monitoring of Azerbaijan's parliamentary elections

International observers from the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly discussed the preparation process for the early parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan with representatives of party campaign headquarters.

The organization's press service told Report that the meetings were held online as part of long-term monitoring.

Ivan Mushket, Deputy Head of the Secretariat of the CIS IPA Council and Director of the International Institute for Monitoring Democratic Development (IIMDD CIS IPA), informed the participants that, in accordance with the invitation from Sahiba Gafarova, Chairwoman of the sixth convocation of the Milli Mejlis of Azerbaijan, international observers from the CIS IPA are participating in monitoring the parliamentary elections scheduled for September 1.

The Institute's Director said that a group of observers is currently being formed from representatives of parliaments of CIS IPA member states, Assembly officials, and IIMDD CIS IPA experts. Andrey Yatskin, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, has been appointed as the group's coordinator.

The observers discussed the election preparation process with the leadership of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party's (YAP) election headquarters.

Tahir Budagov, Deputy Chairman and Head of the party's Central Office, informed the observers that the party has nominated candidates in 125 constituencies. It was noted that the party has appointed observers who will work at all polling stations.

Responding to observers' questions, Tahir Budagov noted that 30% of all nominated party candidates are youth. He expressed hope that the party and the Assembly would develop their cooperation in youth projects.

Today, international observers from the CIS IPA also met with the leadership of the Justice, Law and Democracy Party.

Ivan Mushket emphasized that in their work, international observers from the CIS IPA are guided by the principles of respect for state sovereignty, impartiality, and providing effective assistance, as enshrined in the Convention on Standards of Democratic Elections, Electoral Rights and Freedoms in the CIS Countries.

Party Chairman Gudrat Hasanguliyev told international observers about the features of the campaign, expectations from the elections, and specifically highlighted the professional work of Azerbaijan's Central Election Commission.

He also reported that there is a healthy competitive struggle between parties. At the same time, in his opinion, there are attempts at external interference in the process of preparing for the vote.

Observers also discussed the preparation for parliamentary elections with representatives of the Great Azerbaijan party.

During the long-term monitoring phase, a group of IIMDD CIS IPA experts is preparing a conclusion on the compliance of national legislation with international standards and obligations of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the electoral sphere, as well as a report on long-term monitoring of the electoral process.

Deputy Chairman and Head of the Election Headquarters Vugar Gasimov noted that the party advocates for reforms. According to him, the events for election preparation are organized at a high level and are proceeding according to the calendar plan. On election day, 6,000 observers from the party will work at polling stations.

Early parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan are scheduled for September 1, 2024. On this day, a group of international observers from the CIS IPA will visit polling stations in the capital and regions of the republic.