OSCE Office in Baku launches information sessions on non-interference in the electoral process

BAKU, 9 July 2008 - The OSCE Office in Baku today opened a series of one-day information sessions for leaders of local election authorities on non-interference in the electoral process.

During the sessions, Heads of Regional Executive Authorities and the Chairmen of Constituency Election Commissions will be briefed about the newly amended Electoral Code and its provisions on non-interference.

"Our goal is to stress the basic principles of free and fair elections and to underline the need to avoid any interference in the process," said Ambassador Jose-Luis Herrero, Head of the OSCE Office in Baku.

The OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights has in past Election Observation Missions to Azerbaijan noted that the local executive authorities interfered extensively in the work of the Election Commissions.

Ali Hasanov, the Head of Socio-Political Department of the Presidential Administration, and Mazahir Panahov, Chairman of the Central Election Commission, attended today's information session in Baku.

The sessions, organized in close co-operation with the Presidential Administration and the Central Election Commission, will take place in Baku, Ganja and Shirvan.