In anticipation of the upcoming presidential elections in Azerbaijan scheduled for February 7, the International Eurasia Press Fund (IEPF) convened its delegation at a pivotal meeting. The delegation, set to serve as observers during the electoral process, engaged in discussions at the main office of IEPF.
A segment of the organization's independent observer team participated in the meeting, during which IEPF President Umud Mirzayev officially presented observers with their identification cards.
At the gathering, Mirzayev provided insights into the election proceedings, outlining the rights and responsibilities bestowed upon the observer team. He highlighted the issuance of credentials by the Election Commission for the 50-member independent observer team, emphasizing that IEPF's observers would be conducting surveillance throughout the entire Republic.
Mirzayev underscored the significance of the upcoming extraordinary presidential elections in Azerbaijan, which have seen nationwide propaganda efforts since January 15. Additionally, various non-governmental organizations have coalesced into coalitions, including the "My Voice" Election Monitoring Coalition, Civil Society Monitoring Coalition, and Election Observation and Analysis Group Coalition.
The IEPF President revealed that the organization's monitoring activities on election day would be coordinated from a central command center. He stated,"Our observers will regularly collect and disseminate objective information on the election day. At the end, a final report on the presidential election will be prepared. This final report will also be sent to international organizations."
Mr. Mirzayev reiterated the rules established by the Central Election Commission for observers, emphasizing transparency, consideration of all relevant circumstances and facts, and the need for conclusions to be based on facts. Importantly, he emphasized that none of the individuals involved in IEPF's surveillance efforts have any political affiliations.
He once again mentioned the rules adopted by the Central Election Commission regarding observers:
41.1.1 the election process should not be influenced for the sake of the interests of a candidate or a political party.
41.1.2. all circumstances and facts relevant to the observed actions must be taken into account;
41.1.3. observation should be done openly;
41.1.4. the conclusions of the observation should be based on facts. It should be noted that none of the employees involved in the surveillance by IEPF have any political affiliation.
Highlighting IEPF's history of active participation in election coalitions in 2008 and 2013, the organization has been selected for its proactive involvement in elections held in various years. IEPF's monitoring mission is set to cover 25 districts, including 18 cities such as Baku, Khankendi, Shusha, Aghdam, Fuzuli, Zangilan, Jabrayil, Tartar, Barda, Goranboy, Naftalan, Ganja, Samukh, Beylagan, Kurdemir, Hajigabul, Khirdalan, and Sumgait.
As the nation gears up for this crucial electoral event, the IEPF stands poised to fulfill its monitoring mission with the aim of ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process in Azerbaijan.
