EPDE member EMDS carried out an assessment of the implementation of election-related recommendations by OSCE and the Council of Europe in Azerbaijan. EMDS notes with regret that the Government of Azerbaijan has taken steps towards restricting freedom of expression on the internet and criminalizing unauthorized assemblies. Starting from the end of 2013, the operation of NGOs has effectively been prohibited in Azerbaijan.

EMDS concludes that Azerbaijan lacks the legislative framework and practices necessary for holding free and fair elections, and that the government does not show sufficient political determination to ensure these.

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