The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an election observation mission for the 1 September early parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan, following an official invitation from the national authorities, OSCE reports.

 

The mission is headed by Ditmir Bushati and consists of a core team of 11 international experts based in Baku and 28 long-term observers, who will be deployed throughout the country from 8 August. ODIHR also plans to request 280 short-term observers, to arrive several days before election day.

 

The mission will assess the conduct of the elections for compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation.

 

Observers will closely monitor all key aspects of the elections, such as the conduct of the campaign, including on social networks, the work of the election administration at all levels, election-related legislation and its implementation, respect for fundamental freedoms, media coverage and the resolution of election disputes. Observers will also assess the implementation of previous ODIHR election recommendations.

 

Meetings with representatives of state authorities and political parties, civil society, the media and the international community form an integral part of the observation.

 

The day after the elections, a statement of preliminary findings and conclusions will be presented at a press conference. A final report with an assessment of the entire election process and containing recommendations will be published some months after the elections.