Azerbaijan Elections

The U.S. is giving over $2 million to support free and fair elections, including funds for 150 international observers under the auspices of the Institute for Democracy in Eastern Europe (IDEE) and the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES) to monitor the entry of vote tabulation protocols into the state computer system, complementing the OSCE election observer mission.

There are some positive developments. Election roundtables are being televised, NGO-funded training for election workers is under way and domestic election monitors are being credentialed. We call on the Government of Azerbaijan to follow through on its commitment to publicize the penalties for electoral fraud and to act promptly against instances of fraud.

There remain areas of concern including harassment and violence against opposition and human rights activists. We call on Azerbaijan to fulfill its responsibilities for the safety of its citizens and the safeguarding of their rights, including the right of assembly. We regret that the Central Election Commission did not publish voter lists, limiting the opportunity for voters to challenge or correct them. We urge Azerbaijan to invite the National Democratic Institute (NDI) to observe the election, with enough notice to field a proper observer team. We also hope to see the swift reporting and posting of the actual vote tally at polling stations, and on the Internet within 48 hours. Opposition parties also have important responsibilities in this election. They should campaign vigorously and conduct themselves peacefully, within the law and the norms of democratic process.