Interview with IFES Country Director by Bizim Yol Newspaper
In an interview published on June 5, 2008, IFES Country Director, Dan Blessington, answered questions about the amendments to the Election Code, which were approved by the Milli Majlis on June 2nd. Below is the full interview.
1. How do you assess amendments to the Election Code? In particular, what is your attitude to the reduction of the election campaign period?
I believe there were significant improvements in the amendments to the election code, particularly in the areas dealing with Election Day procedures. I also believe that the amendments will allow for a much-improved process of handling complaints and appeals. There are other improvements as well. Indeed the Venice Commission and OSCE/ODIHR have acknowledged some of the improvements in its joint interim opinion on the draft amendments in March of this year. One of the amendments enacted on Monday, however, was never a subject of discussion – specifically the reduction in the time permitted for campaigning. Frankly, I am concerned about that.
2. As a head of the international organization dealing with the electoral system how right do you think it is in Azerbaijan which has 125 ConECs the candidates have such a short period for meeting with voters?
As you know, the Milli Majlis enactment of the amendments reduces the campaign period from 60 to 28 days. I believe that 60 days was a sufficient period of time for candidates to reach potential voters. I saw no need to change it and do not believe that it represents an improvement to the legal framework for elections.
3. After the amendments to the law some forces, including Musavat which decided to participate in the elections started discussions about boycotting.
IFES is a scrupulously non-partisan organization, and I won’t comment on the political decisions of any political party or individual. They will do what they believe is best from their individual perspectives. As a general rule, however, we believe in competition and promote participation in the electoral process.
4. How is it possible to conduct democratic elections with the Election Code which did not take into account proposals of the Venice Commission?
I don’t speak for the Venice Commission. However, I believe that a number of provisions in the Election Code are supported by the Venice Commission and other international actors. Not all are supported, but some. Once again, I direct your attention to the joint Venice Commission and OSCE/ODIHR comments of last March. I expect that the Venice Commission and OSCE/ODIHR at some time in the not-to-distant future will be issuing a final opinion on the amendments passed yesterday. I have no doubt that the comments will be valuable and illuminating.
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