OTS International Election Observation Mission completed its monitoring of the early presidential elections in Azerbaijan

OTS International Election Observation Mission completed its monitoring of the early presidential elections in Azerbaijan
Upon the invitation extended by the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the International Election Observation Mission (EOM) of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), led by the Secretary General of the OTS, H.E. Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev, undertook the monitoring of the Early Presidential Elections in Azerbaijan from February 4 to February 7, 2024.

The Mission, consisting of officials from the Secretariat of the OTS and observers from the Member States other than Azerbaijan, conducted its activities in full accordance with the national legislation of Azerbaijan and universally recognized rules of international law governing the organization and conduct of elections.

As part of the pre-election observation process, the Mission had meetings with H.E. Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and H.E. Mazahir Panahov, Chairman of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Additionally, discussions took place with various international observer missions. The focus of these meetings was on the legal and administrative aspects of preparing and conducting the election process. The Mission also met with the representatives of the contesting candidates to receive first-hand information regarding the campaigning process and preparations of the candidates for the elections.

On the election day, the Mission divided into three groups, visiting 22 polling stations in Baku, Shusha, Hankendi and Khojaly. Notably, the OTS Mission celebrated a historic moment as it observed elections in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan for the first time since its independence.

The national legislation of Azerbaijan afforded ample opportunities for observation by representatives of local and international observers. The Mission witnessed the active participation of national observers, which bolstered the transparency and public accountability of the Election. It was observed that all necessary administrative measures were taken to ensure the free will of the people during the voting day.

The OTS International Election Observation Mission commends the transparent and fair conduct of the Early Presidential Elections in Azerbaijan, marking it as a significant step towards democratic governance in the region.

The full text of the statement by the OTS International Election Observation Mission can be accessed here.
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