Analysts point to authorities’ interference into election campaign in Azerbaijan

In the course of the election campaign in Azerbaijan, oppositionists have faced administrative resources, which casts doubt on the democratic nature of the elections, the NGO “Institute for Democratic Initiatives” has stated. The elections are held according to the scenario common for the authorities, journalists have noted.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that the elections have been scheduled for February 9, 2020. The National Council of Democratic Forces (NCDF) has called to boycott them. This decision was also supported by the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA).

“Once again, elections are held in the context of absolute dominance of one political force; under the restriction of fundamental freedoms and absence of authorities’ dialogue with the opposition,” said Akif Gurbanov, the chairman of the Institute for Democratic Initiatives (IDI).

As noted in the IDI’s report, violations were recorded in 74 out of 125 constituencies.

The IDI treats it as a must to take into account the calls of local and international organizations and "release all the political prisoners and prisoners of conscience."

Mekhman Aliev, the director of the “Turan” News Agency, believes that the absence of changes in the electoral legislation has predefined the earlier election scenario. He has also pointed out the almost complete absence of coverage of the elections by TV channels.