OSCE/ODIHR human rights chief calls on Azeri authorities to recognise violations during presidential election
(OSCE/Astrid Senheitel)Protesters took over an interior ministry truck and ran over several police officers during clashes in Baku's Azadliq Square on 16 October 2003, the day after presidential election. (OSCE/Astrid Senheitel) Photo details
BAKU/WARSAW, 20 November 2003 - Ambassador Christian Strohal, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, today urged the authorities of Azerbaijan to acknowledge the serious violations that occurred during the recent presidential election process.
He was visiting Baku to present the final assessment of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission and to discuss recommendations that must be implemented in order to restore public confidence in the election process.
"This election has been a personal disappointment, since the ODIHR has worked intensively with Azerbaijan since 1998 to improve the election process," he said.
During his one-day visit he met officials of Azerbaijan, opposition leaders and representatives of non-governmental organizations. He also visited a detention centre, and spoke to several people who were arrested in the days and weeks following the election on 15 October.
The ODIHR Director expressed serious concern about the conduct of the presidential election, which failed to meet OSCE commitments and other international standards. He reminded the authorities that there were many breaches of the Election Code of Azerbaijan, and said that a culture of impunity regarding breaches to the Election Code could not be permitted.
He expressed deep concern about the post-election developments, especially the wave of arrests of election officials, opposition party officials and supporters. He also mentioned dismissals of Azeri citizens from their jobs, allegedly because of their political opinions or affiliations, and urged the authorities to ensure that these persons were reinstated.
In the meeting with officials, the Ambassador stressed the need for an independent, thorough, expeditious and transparent investigation into electoral violations, which was one of the recommendations in the final report of the Election Observation Mission.
He suggested an investigation commission, which could comprise representatives of electoral authorities, political parties, civil society, and prominent and independent-minded public figures. A Special Elections Prosecutor could also be appointed to investigate and prosecute those persons guilty of breaking the election-related laws.
Finally, the ODIHR Director called for concrete steps to restore public confidence, to promote reconciliation, and to open a genuine dialogue with all segments of society.
He was visiting Baku to present the final assessment of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission and to discuss recommendations that must be implemented in order to restore public confidence in the election process.
"This election has been a personal disappointment, since the ODIHR has worked intensively with Azerbaijan since 1998 to improve the election process," he said.
During his one-day visit he met officials of Azerbaijan, opposition leaders and representatives of non-governmental organizations. He also visited a detention centre, and spoke to several people who were arrested in the days and weeks following the election on 15 October.
The ODIHR Director expressed serious concern about the conduct of the presidential election, which failed to meet OSCE commitments and other international standards. He reminded the authorities that there were many breaches of the Election Code of Azerbaijan, and said that a culture of impunity regarding breaches to the Election Code could not be permitted.
He expressed deep concern about the post-election developments, especially the wave of arrests of election officials, opposition party officials and supporters. He also mentioned dismissals of Azeri citizens from their jobs, allegedly because of their political opinions or affiliations, and urged the authorities to ensure that these persons were reinstated.
In the meeting with officials, the Ambassador stressed the need for an independent, thorough, expeditious and transparent investigation into electoral violations, which was one of the recommendations in the final report of the Election Observation Mission.
He suggested an investigation commission, which could comprise representatives of electoral authorities, political parties, civil society, and prominent and independent-minded public figures. A Special Elections Prosecutor could also be appointed to investigate and prosecute those persons guilty of breaking the election-related laws.
Finally, the ODIHR Director called for concrete steps to restore public confidence, to promote reconciliation, and to open a genuine dialogue with all segments of society.