Statement of the Group of Observers of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development – GUAM on the early elections of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

At the invitation of the authorities of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the representatives of the Member States of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development – GUAM took part in the observation of the early elections of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan held on February 7, 2024.

The Group was comprised of the member of the Parliament of Georgia, Mr. David Matikashvili; the member of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Mr. Mykhaylo Papiyev; members of the GUAM Secretariat, Mr. Teymuraz Kiladze and Mr. Sabuhi Temirov. GUAM Secretary General Mr. Altai Efendiev accompanied the Group.

The Group has visited the following polling stations:

16, 21, 22, and 23 of the 43d electoral district of the city of Sumgayit; and

34, 26, and 16 of the 20th electoral district of Narimanov II region of Baku.

Based on the results of the observations at the above polling stations, the Group decided to make the following Statement:

The Presidential elections in the Republic of Azerbaijan were organized and conducted in accordance with the national legislation, the rules, and procedures elaborated by the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and in compliance with the common principles and standards of democratic elections.

Regarding the electoral process, the organization of the voting, and the functioning of the commissions at the polling stations, the Group acknowledges that appropriate conditions were ensured for the free expression of the will of citizens. The members of precinct election commissions and public observers at the polling stations represented candidates of various political parties and independent candidates.

In general, the Group has not registered any irregularities or complaints concerning the activities of election commissions and the organization of voting at the polling stations.

The voters had access to necessary information, the ballots were informative, and the candidates were represented equally. Selecting a candidate by voters was held secretly, and casting a bulletin into a ballot box was transparent. Voters’ decisions on choosing a candidate were not affected by any influence or pressure from inside or outside the polling stations.

Throughout all the visited polling stations, there was high voter turnout.

The elections were held on a competitive basis and can be assessed as free and fair.

Baku, February 7, 2024