The Group of observers from Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development – GUAM was invited to monitor the Parliamentary Elections in the Republic of Azerbaijan, which took place on November 1, 2015. The short-term Group included Deputy of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Mr. Ivan Krulko, Deputy of the Parliament of Georgia, Mr. Zurab Abashidze, and GUAM Secretary General Mr. V. Chechelashvili, who coordinated activities of the Group of Observers.
Based on the results gathered based on observing 20 (twenty) polling sites in the 8th, 15th, 118th, 122th, 124th and 125th electoral precincts of the city of Baku, and 7 (seven) polling sites and in the 42nd and 44th electoral precincts of the city of Sumgayit, the Group of GUAM Observers decided to issue the following statement:
The election day of the deputies of the Parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan was organised and held in accordance with international commitments and standards for democratic elections, as well as in accordance with national legislation, the rules and procedures elaborated by the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
With respect to the organization of the elections and the activities of the commissions at polling sites, the group of GUAM observers has no significant remarks. Shortcomings identified at some polling sites could not affect the results of the vote.
The elections of November 1, 2015, took place in the spirit of calm and, in general, can be evaluated positively – as being both free and fair.
Baku, November 2, 2015
