Azerbaijan, Baku, 24 April /corr. Trend K.Ramazanova / In Azerbaijan there must also be improvements in the implementation of the law by executive authorities, election administration and the courts, to ensure that the problems observed in previous elections are eliminated, the Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Ambassador Christian Strohal, reported to Trend via e-mail.
"I am confident that the authorities can conduct democratic elections if there is the will to do so," Strohal said.
Discussions take place with regards to improving the Electoral Code before the 2008 Presidential elections in Azerbaijan.
According to him, there are still unfortunately a number of issues which have not been addressed or have not been fully addressed in the draft amendments. These include composition of election commissions, the complaints and appeals process, provisions regarding candidacy, and declaration of results.
"As part of building public confidence, it would be desirable that the chairmanships of election commissions be distributed equitably and not dominated by one political party," Strohal said. According to him, composition is only one important aspect. It is also important that election commissions be fully functional and that they carry out their work impartially and in accordance with the law.
He said that the parliament should take into account the views of all political parties and civil society, as well as the recommendations of the Venice Commission and the OSCE/ODIHR.
"The timeframe to pass such amendments and implement them before the presidential election is tight, but it is certainly possible to do so.," OSCE representative said.
With regards to freedom of the press, Strohal said that a free media is a crucial part of conducting elections in accordance with democratic principles.
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