Int’l organization: Elections held in accordance with democratic norms in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, Baku, Oct. 10 / Trend S. Ahmadova /

A group of observers from "Civil society in the Black Sea Region" has made a statement in connection with the presidential election in Azerbaijan today. The observation group consists of three Moldovan and Russian MPs.

Chairman of the Russian Public Chamber Sergey Markov said that the observers started their mission on October 7 and the mission was operating in accordance with Azerbaijani and international laws.

"The necessary conditions were created at the polling stations," he said. "Web cameras were installed at 1,000 polling stations. The conditions were created for individuals with health problems to vote in the presidential elections. While observing, some shortages were revealed. For example, there was high voter turnout at some polling stations which created some problems. An exit poll was conducted within the polling station at one constituency."

According to him, such cases were rare and could not influence the voting and the vote counting.

"The elections were conducted in accordance with the Azerbaijani electoral laws and democratic norms," Markov said.

Azerbaijani presidential election was held on October 9. According to the results announced by Azerbaijani CEC after processing of ballots, President Ilham Aliyev gathered 3,118,287 votes (84.59 percent).