Azerbaijan Elections

Azerbaijan’s November 6 parliamentary elections provide the Azerbaijani authorities an opportunity to conduct elections that meet international standards. The free expression of the will of the people through such elections is vital to Azerbaijan’s future and to a strengthened U.S.-Azerbaijani relationship. Peaceful freedom of assembly is integral to a democratic electoral process. The United States encourages the peaceful participation of all Azerbaijanis in the elections, and urges full implementation of President Aliyev’s important election decree of October 25, including the points on freedom of assembly and non-interference of local authorities in the electoral process.

2005/1021