– More than 80 observers from the OSCE PA are deploying to Azerbaijan for the 7 February early presidential election, marking the tenth time the PA has observed elections in the country since 1995.
The Head of the OSCE PA delegation of observers will be OSCE PA Vice-President Daniela De Ridder (Germany) and the Special Co-ordinator and leader of the short-term OSCE observer mission will be economic and environmental Committee Vice-Chair Artur Gerasymov (Ukraine).
Observers will be thoroughly briefed by representatives of the election administration and civil society, candidates, party representatives and experts on the situation ahead of elections, before fanning out to several regions of Azerbaijan for election day observation.
“As observers, we recognize the unique dynamics surrounding this early presidential election in Azerbaijan,” Special Co-ordinator Gerasymov said. “I am honored to lead our delegation, and, in collaboration with our partners, we aim to provide an impartial and comprehensive assessment, upholding democratic values and a fair and transparent electoral process for the people of Azerbaijan.”
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Head of the OSCE PA delegation De Ridder said, “We collaborate closely with the OSCE/ODIHR mission to monitor whether the presidential election adheres to democratic principles, ensures free voting procedures, a fair campaign atmosphere, media accessibility, and the accurate reporting of results.”
The elections will be assessed against democratic commitments contained in the OSCE’s 1990 Copenhagen Document.
The preliminary findings and conclusions for the elections will be presented at a press conference in Baku on 8 February.
