Heads of several Azerbaijani opposition parties make statement questioning seriousness of IFES

Heads of several opposition parties of Azerbaijan made a joint statement criticizing International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES). The statement characterizes IFES as an unpopular and unreliable organization and protests to its organizing the authorities-opposition dialogue on the composition of election commissions.

The statement signed by chief of Azerbaijan Democratic Party Sardar Jalaloglu, Musavat chairman Isa Gambar, leader of Azerbaijan Liberal Party Lala Shovkat and chairman of Azerbaijan Popular Front Party Ali Karimli says that the opposition’s participation in the debates between the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission and the authorities on amending the Electoral Code was not ensured in time.

The authors of the statement underline that arrangement of this event by IFES, which failed to win confidence in political circles, question seriousness and effectiveness of the event.
“On the other hand, participation of a number of parties under the name of opposition will reduce the efficiency of the event. It is expedient to hold these debates with presence of five parties. We are ready to participate in the debates held by OSCE and Council of Europe’s Venice Commission basing on these principles,” the statement says.

APA, 30 Oct 2007 19:32

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