Hurriyet Daily News

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Azerbaijan's election legislation has greatly improved, but much remains to be done, according to the Council of Europe's legislation experts.

The president of the Venice Commission, Gianni Buquicchio, and secretary Thomas Markert briefed journalists Wednesday at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the Azeri Press Agency, or APA, reported.

Gianni Buquicchio said the situation in Azerbaijan was improving after every election.

“I am ready to continue the effective cooperation with Azerbaijan in this sphere. Azerbaijan’s election legislation has been greatly improved. Despite this, we should continue work to improve it more. There is much work to be done. We can do it together,” Buquicchio said.

“There is a need for improvement, positive changes in the formation of the composition of election commissions. However, good elections can be held with this present legislation. The most important thing is the will to do it.

“Democratic elections can be held even with imperfect legislation. We should continue cooperation with the Azerbaijani government on the electoral code.”

Trainings sessions would be held for people participating in the election process, he said.

He also said the government should strife to satisfy international observers in the next parliamentary elections, scheduled to take place on Nov.7, 2010.

LINK: http://www.tdn.com.tr/n.php?n=azerbaijans-electoral-code-sufficient-eu-experts-say-2010-04-29