The Group of Observers of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development – GUAM has been invited to observe the elections of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan held on April 11, 2018.
The Group was comprised of the members of the Parliament of Georgia Mr George Mosidze, Mr Gedevan Popkhadze, Mr Gia Benashvili, the member of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Mr Oleh Medunitsa. GUAM Secretary General Mr Altai Efendiev accompanied the Group.
Based on the results of the observations at polling stations of the city of Baku:
No. 26 and 27, of the 3rd electoral district of Yasamal region;
No. 15 and 16, of the 2nd electoral district of Yasamal region;
No. 17 and 26, of the 16th electoral district of Yasamal region;
No. 2 of the 45th electoral district of Absheron region, the city of Khirdalan;
as well as at polling stations of the city of Sumgait:
No. 31 of the 41st electoral district (township of Djorat);
No. 12 and 13 of 44th Sumgait-Khizi electoral district;
No. 1 of 44th Sumgait-Khizi electoral district;
the Group decided to make the following Statement:
The Presidential elections in the Republic of Azerbaijan were organized and conducted in compliance with international obligations and standards of democratic elections, including the obligations and the standards of the OSCE and the Council of Europe, in accordance with the national legislation, as well as the rules and procedures elaborated by the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
With regard to the general electoral process, the organization of the elections, the functioning of the commissions at the polling stations, no substantial irregularities have been registered by the Group. In general, appropriate conditions for the free vote have been ensured and throughout all polling stations, active participation of voters has been observed.
The elections were held in the spirit of competition and can be assessed as free and fair.
Baku, April 11, 2018
