ICG publicizes report on parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan

The international community, which has already issued critical statements, should continue pressing for a democratic outcome of the 2005 elections by setting up an ambassadorial task force in Baku, a report publicized by the International Crisis Group (ICG) on the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan says.

The Central Election Commission must adjudicate complaints received by voters, candidates, political parties and observers. It should annul results where there has been fraud. The courts should swiftly and transparently bring perpetrators of illegal interference in the electoral process to justice. At the same time, the opposition should use all legal means
available to seek redress for election violations and enter a dialogue with high-level government officials on how to resolve the impasse.

The ICG notes the importance of setting an early 2006 date for repeat elections where results have been cancelled. Recommendations on the creation of balanced election commissions should be incorporated into legislation. Local authorities should allow freedom of assembly and authorise rallies.

If the government does not continue to take these steps to redress election violations, and particularly if it uses violence or arrests against peaceful opposition demonstrators, then definite actions should be imposed on Azerbaijan.