EMDS Statement on the scheduling of the early Presidential Election
The Election Monitoring and Democracy Studies Centre (EMDS) analysed the legal-political environment in connection with the scheduling of the early Presidential Election in Azerbaijan on 11 April 2018 and concluded that although the presidential decree on bringing the election to a earlier date is in line with the Constitution and the Election Code of the […]
Assessment report on implementation status of recommendations on improvement of electoral process in Azerbaijan
The report, carried out by EPDE member EMDS, analyzes the situation of the fundamental freedoms of expression, assembly and association which are the prerequisites for establishment of an environment conducive for democratic elections as recommended by the OSCE/ODIHR. EMDS notes with regret that the government has taken steps towards restricting freedom of expression on the […]
EMDS criticizes infringement of fundamental freedoms in Azerbaijan
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 […]
Assessment report on preparation and result of the 26 September constitutional referendum in Azerbaijan
EMDS believes that comprehensive assessment of 26 September 2016 Referendum requires consideration of all stages of the referendum including evaluation of awareness raising among public on proposed amendments, political situation and conditions prior to the referendum, the election legislation, conduct of the Referendum Day and vote tabulation against the legislation of the country and its […]
Assessment report on preparation and result of the 26 September constitutional referendum in Azerbaijan
EMDS believes that comprehensive assessment of 26 September 2016 Referendum requires consideration of all stages of the referendum including evaluation of awareness raising among public on proposed amendments, political situation and conditions prior to the referendum, the election legislation, conduct of the Referendum Day and vote tabulation against the legislation of the country and its international commitments.EMDS notes […]
International “Election Observers” Whitewash Fraudulent Referendum in Azerbaijan
Aleksandar Nikoloski, PACE Vice-president and leader of the fraudulent PACE observation mission to Azerbaijan. Foto: independent.mk On September 26, 2016 Azerbaijan held a hastily called, and controversial, referendum. The European Platform for Democratic Elections (EPDE) has monitored the conduct of international election observer missions. EPDE is highly critical to statements made by international election […]
EMDS: Referendum in Azerbaijan failed to meet international standards
STATEMENT on results of the monitoring of the 26 September 2016 Referendum in Azerbaijan Due to shortcomings in situation of democracy and political freedoms prior to and during the Referendum, including the voting day, the Referendum failed to meet requirements of election legislation and international commitments of the country with regards to democratic elections. As […]
Opinion on the proposed amendments to the Constitution and preparations to the Referendum
August 19, 2016 Baku, Azerbaijan ELECTION MONITORING AND DEMOCRACY STUDIES CENTRE OPINION on proposed amendments to the Constitution of Azerbaijan and preparations to the 26 September 2016 Referendum I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Following the proposal submitted by the President on 18 July 2016 and approval by the Constitutional Court on 26 July, Azerbaijan will hold […]
Anar Mammadli pardoned after almost 2,5 years in prison
On 17 March 2016, Anar Mammadli, EPDE board member and the Director of the Election Monitoring and Democracy Studies Center (EMDS), based in Baku, Azerbaijan, was pardoned by the president Aliev along with a number of high profile political prisoners. Mammadli was imprisoned on 16 December 2013 following EMDS critical report documenting massiv fraud during […]
Parliamentary Elections Marred by Political Imprisonment, Violations of Freedoms to Assembly, Association, and Expression
source: apa.az EPDE carried out long-term observation of the November 1, 2015, Parliamentary Elections in Azerbaijan with support of more than 50 local long-term observers (LTOs) and local civil society activists in more than 80 election constituencies around the country. EPDE notes with regret that the November 1, 2015, Parliamentary Elections were carried out amidst […]