PACE WINTER SESSION NOT TO DISCUSS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN AZERBAIJAN

Baku, 29 November,(AzerTAj)During its meeting in Madrid, PACE Standing Committee decided that presidential election in Azerbaijan would not be discussed at the PACE winter session.

This decision came after discussions on a report on observation of presidential election in Azerbaijan prepared by head of CoE observation mission
Andreas Herkel.

Speaking to the event, Herkel said the election campaign was conducted in an
organized manner, and election fully meet EU requirements and international
standards. Overwhelming majority of voters cast their ballot. Election was held in a
democratic, fair and transparent manner.
During discussions on the report and the meetings of the Monitoring Committee and
PACE Bureau, PACE President and heads of delegations praised presidential election
in Azerbaijan and described it as reflecting the will of the overwhelming majority
of the Azerbaijan people.
Speakers noted people of Azerbaijan supported Ilham Aliyev. It means election should
be evaluated as the one meeting democratic requirements.
Reports and remarks mainly highlighted democratic development in Azerbaijan,
country`s ties with the Venice Commission, amendments to the law on freedom of
assembly and other issues.
On the decision of some opposition parties to boycott election, members of the
Standing Commission said they had to take this step in order to keep the lost
people`s respect.
The report included criticism concerning joint statements of international
organizations, which sometimes fail to reflect reality.
-0-