Ashraf AboArafe
As all efforts are running on equal footing by all authorities in Azerbaijan for the early parliamentary elections tomorrow 9 February, Aldiplomasy highlights some writers’ reactions as follows:
Jan-Francois Mansel: Azerbaijan has all conditions for free choice of voters
Azerbaijan has a democratic electoral environment based on international election standards. I have always witnessed that the elections in Azerbaijan had been held sufficiently fair, Honourable member of the French Parliament, President of the Association of Friends of Azerbaijan in France Jan-Francois Mansel told secki-2020.az.
He mentioned that there were all conditions for free choice of voters. International observers from different countries can observe this as well.
“We are familiar with some critical opinions on previous elections, but we should know the source of these thoughts. Some of them are the result of manipulations by Armenia that occupy 20 percent of Azerbaijani territory and some are fabrications of those who do disrespect themselves. To be brief, those who criticize the organization of the elections are the losers”, he stressed
Azer Suleymanov: All conditions are created for holding fair elections in Azerbaijan
There is great public interest in the parliamentary elections. Azerbaijanis in Georgia are closely following the parliamentary elections as well, member of the Georgian Parliament Azer Suleymanov told secki-2020.az.
The parliamentarian mentioned that currently there is democratic electoral environment in Azerbaijan: “I observe in media and internet resources great public interest in parliamentary elections. There are all conditions for holding fair elections in Azerbaijan”.
Noting that there are strong and active young candidates, who can communicate with the public, Suleymanov expressed his confidence that worthy candidates would win.
Hakki Keskin: “Azerbaijan’s democratic development will strengthen after the parliamentary elections”
“Azerbaijan is on the threshold of an important political event. Parliamentary elections are considered an important step towards renewal and development”, former member of the German Bundestag and the PACE Hakki Keskin told secki-2020.az.
He noted that Azerbaijan is a country on the path of democratic development. I believe that the democratic development of Azerbaijan will further strengthen after the parliamentary elections.
Noting that there were always double standards against Azerbaijan, Keskin said: “Being a European politician, I declare that your country has been subjected to Armenian aggression. Azerbaijan takes important steps towards democracy, but the Armenians are more welcomed, because the influence of the Armenian lobby on a number of European politicians is still strong.”
Sergei Karavayev: “All conditions created for transparent elections in Azerbaijan even in the remote villages“
“I highly appreciate the preparation for the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan”, deputy director of the International Institute for Monitoring Democracy Development, Parliamentarianism and Suffrage Protection of Citizens of IPA CIS Member Nations (IPA CIS IIMDD), Sergei Karavayev told secki-2020.az.
“I am on a visit to Azerbaijan as part of a long-term observation mission. During the observation, I witnessed a high level of preparation for the elections in remote areas as well. Even in the most remote villages with only 100 voters, all the necessary conditions for transparent elections have been created. Everyone has the opportunity to vote or express their opinion”, said Karavayev.
Dmitriy Kobitskiy: “Azerbaijan is completely ready for the parliamentary elections”
The elections have been organized at the highest level in Azerbaijan, Secretary General of the Council of the Interparliamentary Assembly (IPA) of Member Nations of the CIS Dmitriy Kobitskiy told secki-2020.az.
“Central Election Commission (CEC) has done a great job for conducting the elections in accordance with the legislation. We will visit the polling stations and observe the elections and the final opinion will be sent to the CEC based on the results of the monitoring”, he stated.
According to him, initial impressions about the preparation for the elections are positive. Azerbaijan is absolutely ready for the parliamentary elections.
Ivan Mushket: “The election process is organized in accordance with the legislation”
08.02.2020 17:44
“We have been working as observers in Azerbaijan for several days. We have already done our initial monitoring”, director of the International Institute for Monitoring Democracy Development, Parliamentarianism and Suffrage Protection of Citizens of IPA CIS Member Nations (IPA CIS IIMDD), Ivan Mushket told secki-2020.az.
“We have so many positive impressions of the election process, which was organized in accordance with the law. We met with the leaders of political parties, listened to their questions and suggestions. Based on the results of our work, a report and opinion will be prepared”, Ivan Mushket said.
