ODIHR report calls for further reforms to Azerbaijan’s electoral process

Serious efforts are needed to create a competitive environment for genuine elections with equal and fair conditions for all candidates, says the final report on the 7 November parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan published by ODIHR on 25 January.

The report confirms the preliminary assessment issued by ODIHR and its parliamentary partners the day after the election, and concludes that overall the elections failed to meet a number of key OSCE commitments for democratic elections and important elements of Azerbaijani domestic legislation. It also acknowledges positive aspects, such as the technical organization of the process and efforts to improve voter lists.

The report includes over 20 concrete recommendations on how to lift the restrictions that still characterize Azerbaijan’s electoral environment. These include ensuring an inclusive candidate registration process, building an election administration that enjoys public confidence, and allowing for a campaign period where the fundamental freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression are respected. It also recommends stepping up efforts to ensure the freedom and independence of the media; improve the conduct of the voting, counting and tabulation process; and develop transparent and effective election dispute resolution mechanisms.