ODIHR deplores shortcomings in the new election law of Azerbaijan and hopes that improvements are still possible

WARSAW, 7 July 2000 - The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) considers that the law for the election of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, adopted on 5 July 2000, despite some improvements over the previous law, contains serious shortcomings.

In particular, the retroactive character of the provision requiring political parties to be registered 6 months in advance of the day elections are announced is regrettable as it de facto bans from the election contest political parties registered well before the law's entry into force.

A number of additional concerns have been discussed with the authorities of Azerbaijan. The ODIHR will release its final comments to all interested parties when it has had the opportunity to thoroughly analyse the law. It hopes that appropriate amendments can still be adopted without delay.

For further information contact Mr. Nikolai Vulchanov or Mr. Emanuele Giaufret, ODIHR Election Advisers, tel. +48 22 520 06 00.