Monitoring Group of the Council of Europe (CE) Congress of Local and Regional Authorities has published a report on the new and first local elections which were held on October 6, 2006, Trendreports.
The report indicates that the improvements should be made for Azerbaijan to fully meet its commitments to international and Council of Europe election principles and democratic standards. In this regard, the Congress invites the Azerbaijani authorities to take into account its recommendations based on the observation of the October 6 local elections and relevant recommendations made by the Parliamentary Assembly, the Venice Commission and other international organizations.
The Congress delegation, was concerned by the weak electoral campaign and regretted that the main opposition parties refused to participate in the election and that they were prevented from any form of debate between political forces. The Congress wishes to support more political commitment and pluralism, together with an evolution of democratic practices, and an increased role of women in political life. The Congress encourages training of local elected representatives and staff to enhance their professionalism and the level of trust and respect between central and local elected authorities, and information campaign for the citizens.
The Congress is convinced that the relatively low turn-out is one of the consequences of the lack of information, interest, and trust, not only on the democratic process, but also in the functioning, role, and competences of local self-governments. Necessary concrete measures should be taken to raise awareness of Azerbaijani citizens and increase their participation in local public life. In order to strengthen local self government-units so that they can play a real active role in a democratic society, foster good governance and deliver appropriate and good quality services to their citizens, the Congress calls for the creation of a nation-wide association of local authorities. The joint project between the Congress and the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities goes in that direction.
The Congress wishes to renew its readiness to support and assist the Azerbaijani authorities in their intention to develop and strengthen local and regional democracy, which should be based on genuine responsibilities and adequate resources, in conformity with the European Charter of Local Self-Government.