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

BAKU, 16 November - The OSCE Office in Baku launched a series of information sessions today focusing on OSCE commitments to avoid interference in the electoral process for heads of regional executive authorities and those who chair constituency election commissions.

The sessions will provide information about the provisions on non-interference in Azerbaijan's Electoral Code and examples of what is considered interference in the context of OSCE commitments for democratic elections.

The sessions, the first of which started in Baku today, are organized in co-operation with Azerbaijan's Presidential Administration and the Central Election Commission.

"Our joint efforts contribute to Azerbaijan's aspiration to hold elections in line with OSCE and international commitments and to promote a more participatory and transparent election process," said Ambassador Bilge Cankorel, the Head of the OSCE Office in Baku.

"The confidence of political parties and voters in the electoral process and the way in which it is administered is essential for the credibility of the municipalities that will result from elections."

Information sessions will also be held in the cities of Shirvan and Ganja ahead of a 23 December municipal election.

The information sessions will outline the basic principles of democratic elections, clarify the role of the executive authorities and emphasize the independence and responsibilities of the election commissions, particularly in relation to the organization of municipal elections.

A similar initiative was held ahead of the 15 October 2008 presidential election and the 18 March 2009 constitutional referendum.

The Election Observation Mission of the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights noted in its Final Report devoted to the 15 October 2008 presidential election that "instances of interference in the election process by State and local authorities were fewer than in previous elections".