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Azerbaijani Leading Opposition Party Refusing to Join Presidential Elections Prepare Mass Demonstrations

Politics Materials 15 August 2008 18:46 (UTC +04:00)

Azerbaijan, Baku, 15 August / Trend corr. E.Babayev / The Azerbaijani opposition Musavat Party does not intend to observe the presidential elections from aside.

"We think to hold mass demonstrations to restore freedom of assembly, as well as demonstrations in the context of elections. In accordance with the legislation, not only the forces, which participate in the elections, but also the forces, which do not participate in the elections, have the right to hold mass demonstrations and express their position in the elections campaign," Isa Gambar, the chairman of Musavat Party, said to Trend on 15 August.

The presidential elections will be held in Azerbaijan on 15 October. So far, 14 presidential contenders have submitted their documents to the Central Elections Commission (CEC) to participate in the presidential elections. Azadlig bloc, uniting three opposition parties (Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan, Liberal Party and Citizen and Development Party), and Classical Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan, Open Society, Musavat, Civil Solidarity, Democratic and Great Establishment parties, as well as Eldar Namazov, the head of Public Forum of 'For Azerbaijan' refused to participate in the elections.

According to Gambar, at present a version of mass demonstrations is being investigated and decisions can be made on this matter when the time comes. With regards to Musavat's observation of the elections, a final decision has not been made yet, Gambar said.

"In accordance with Musavat Assembly's decision made on 2 August, consultations should be held with other political forces and the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) on the observation of the elections. If common opinion is reached at the consultations, then we will think about observation. Therefore, we will make a final decision only on observation after consultations," he said.

Gambar refuted opinions on differences, which appeared after Musavat Assembly's decision not to join elections. "None of regional organizations and people, who are in the position at collegiate elections bodies, objected party's decision. There can be different opinions amongst common members of the party and this is normal," Musavat's chairman said, noting that the party's refusal from the presidential elections would not negatively affect 2009 municipal and 2010 parliamentary elections.

The Musavat Party was established in Baku in October 1911. The Musavat Party's third Congress (Restoration) was held at the Republican Palace in Baku on 7 November in 1992. Gambar was elected the chairman of the Musavat Party as a result of secret voting.

Gambar, the chairman of the party, was the speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament (1992-93) and a presidential candidate in the presidential elections in 2003. A total of four MPs represent the party at the parliament.

The correspondent can be contacted at: [email protected]

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