Azerbaijan, Baku / Тrend corr S. Ilhamgizi / Several parties have refused to participate in the elections, possibly due to their internal problems, the chairman of Azerbaijan Central Election Commission (CEC), Mazahir Panahov, said to journalists on 24 August.
Several opposition parties stated that should the election situation not change, they will boycott the presidential elections to be held in Azerbaijan on 15 October 2008.
According to Panahov, political parties are established in the hope of coming to power. For this purpose elections are held. "In order for an opportunity to come to power the political parties must participate in the elections. Azerbaijan provides for every opportunity necessary for the political organizations to participate in the elections," he said.
Elections cannot be perfect as millions of people take part in the process and numerous violations are experienced in every country, the chairman noted.
In accordance with the Azerbaijan Election Code, presidential elections are held on October's third Wednesday every five years. According to Panahov, the election campaign will begin 120 days before the voting.