Musavat party does not recognize the results of the election
In a statement issued by Musavat party regarding the early presidential election that took place on April 11, the party said it does not recognize the results released by the Central Election Commission.
The political environment did not meet the requirements to carry out free and fair elections, the leading opposition parties were prevented from campaigning and people's right to freedom of assembly was violated said the statement.
In addition, with independent media muzzled, the party does not recognize the legitimacy of the new government.
The party calls for canceling the results of this election and hold an election according to international standards.
The preliminary statement by Election Monitoring and Democracy Studies Center
The Election Monitoring and Democracy Studies Center (EMDS) has released its preliminary statement on findings of monitoring April 11, 2018. early Presidential Election in Azerbaijan.
According to the statement, "April 11, 2018, Presidential Election took place in an environment of increasing restrictions on freedoms of expression, assembly, and association. Political repression has increased since the 2013 Presidential Election and the number of political prisoners has doubled, reaching 138 people. Independent media and civil society have faced severe restrictions to the point where there is virtually no space in which to operate".
Press Release by the International Observers from OSCE, PACE, ODIHR
The early presidential election in Azerbaijan took place within a restrictive political environment and under laws that curtail fundamental rights and freedoms, which are prerequisites for genuine democratic elections. Against this backdrop and in the absence of pluralism, including in the media, the election lacked genuine competition.
On election day our observers reported widespread disregard of mandatory procedures, lack of transparency and irregularities such as ballot stuffing, said Milza de Sena in her opening remarks.
Prior to the election, ODIHR observers reported that public sector employees and university students were compelled to attend YAP campaign activities and events where attendants were prevented from leaving.
International observers also talked about restrictive media environment and noted with concern that defamation remains a criminal offense, which the observer said further limits the freedom of expression that is key to political campaigning.
The overview and conclusions from the mission angered local representatives from pro-government media. The editor in chief of Ses Newspaper, Bahruz Guliyev accused the mission of having presented a pre-prepared statement that reflects thoughts of anti-Azerbaijan powers. "The country you are have talked about here is away from civilization. Azerbaijan, on the other hand, is a legal state. There were no obstacles for media. International organizations said this as well. We observed elections in absolute freedom. Don't play with emotions and nerves of Azerbaijani people".
In her question addressed to PACE representatives Mr. Bardera, Khadija Ismayil asked the delegation whether they have accepted any gifts throughout their stay. Mr. Bardera said he was perfectly aware of the rules and said he considered the question a joke.
The full statement made by the international observers can be accessed here.