Azerbaijan, Baku / Trend corr. S.Ilhamgizi / A proportional election system is not expected to be restored by the upcoming presidential elections in Azerbaijan in 2008, Ali Hasanov, head of the public political department of the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration, said to journalists on 16 October.
All Azerbaijani opposition parties are proposing to restore the proportional election system in Azerbaijan. Some parties state that the abolishment of the system caused a weakness in parties and their role in society.
The issue concerning the restoration of the proportional election system has not been included on the agenda and it will not be restored by the approaching 2008 presidential elections.
The Azerbaijani population elected the majority election system during the referendum in 2002. A majority election system is considered the most democratic system in the world, Hasanov said.
"The role of political parties is kept in the majority system too. Parties nominate their candidate in compliance with the lists in polling stations. The majority system cannot negatively affect the role of political parties in society," Hasanov said.
Hasanov explained his attitude towards proposals by opposition concerning changes in the Election Code, as well as statements by some parties to boycott the upcoming 2008 presidential elections.
"Discussions have been held due to proposals submitted by political parties concerning changes to the Election Code. The Government intends to hold fair and democratic elections in the country", Hasanov said.