DOI : 10.52837 / 25792970-2021-10.1-34
GARNIK DAVTYAN
THE INFLUENCE OF THE AMENDMENTS TO THE ELECTORAL CODE OF AZERBAIJAN ON THE OPPOSITION PARTIES
Abstract : The purpose of this study is the examination of the Electoral Code of Azerbaijan , to show how it affects the conduct of the elections and their results . The principal results of this research show how the Azerbaijani authorities have built the Electoral Code in a way that maximizes their power at the expense of the opposition . On top of that , it is possible to state that the authorities deliberately ignored the opinions of authoritative figures and created favorable conditions for them , ignoring the opposition . Emphasizing these conclusions , it should be noted that as a result of the changes in the Electoral Code , an atmosphere has been created in Azerbaijan where the opposition has an absolute distrust of the current government . There are no fair elections , and there are serious loopholes where even struggling has become meaningless . Keywords : Azerbaijan , Electoral Code , Venice Commission , proposal , opposition .
Introduction
The Electoral Code is one of the most important pillars of any state , which , originating from the legal norm of the Constitution , provides opportunities to hold this or that state election , to set deadlines , to appeal , and so on . In general , the Electoral Code contains the Code of Electoral Conduct , which aims to promote " conditions conducive to free and fair elections ", which create an atmosphere of tolerance , free political propaganda , and open public debate 1 . One can single out the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 2 , in particular Article 19.1 , which guarantees the right of " everyone " to " have an opinion without interference ". Article 19.2 defines the right to freedom of expression , which includes " the freedom to seek , receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds ". The right to freedom of opinion and expression is a “ central pillar of democratic societies ,
1
Official website , “ The Electoral Code of Conduct ”, last modified June 20 , 2020 , https :// www . elections . org . za / pw / Parties-And-Candidates / The-Electoral-Code-Of-Conduct
2
“ International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ”, Entry into force 23 March 1976 , General Assembly resolution no . 2200A
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