Baku, 14 October/ Trend , corr I. Alizade/ Turkish MP Movlud Chavushoglu, member go PACE observation mission for presidential elections in Azerbaijan said there are progress in preparations for election this year as compared to previous years.
"Unlike previous elections, the process is quiet and there is no tension in a period prior to elections," Chavushoglu said to Trend .
The presidential elections in Azerbaijan will be held on 15 October. A total of seven candidates will take part in the elections including Ilham Aliyev, chairman of Ruling New Azerbaijan Party, Igbal Agazade, chairman of opposition Umid (Hope) Party, Fazil Gazanfaroglu, chairman of Great Establishment Party, Gudrat Hasanguliyev, chairman of Unified Popular Front Party, Hafiz Hajiyev, chairman of Muasir Musavat Party, Fuad Aliyev, chairman of Liberal Democrat Party and independent candidate Gulamhuseyn Alibayli.
He said several candidates caused tension in election process in 2003.
"There is progress in the conduct of elections. Supplements and changes were made to the Election Code. But still much should be done as the work done does not mean solution of all problems. The violations that occurred in past, have been eliminated," he added.
He said one of the key conditions for normal conduct of elections is the activeness of voters. "Citizens should support democracy and exercise their rights. If voters are active enough, the government would be more interested in a better conduct of elections," he said.
It will possible to define impact of boycott of elections by several opposition parties on the polling day, he said.
"The boycott of elections by the opposition is not good. This is disrespect for the will of the nation and a wrong step. Political parties should take into consideration view of the population and take part in elections," he said.
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