Azerbaijani opposition states illegality of forthcoming presidential election

Today, a number of leading oppositional forces of Azerbaijan have made a joint statement about their non-recognition of the legitimacy of the presidential election due on October 15.

"The joint statement of the democratic political forces was signed by the leaders of the following parties, members of the "Freedom" Block: the Popular Front of Azerbaijan, the Party of Citizens and Development and the Liberal Party, as well as the "Musavat" Party and the Public Forum "In the Name of Azerbaijan"," reports the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

"The elections held in the conditions of absence of democratic atmosphere in the country, pressure on the free press, keeping leading journalists in custody, problems with political prisoners, restriction of the freedom of assembly, making editorial amendments in the Electoral Code, and monopoly of the authorities in electoral commissions, cannot be free and fair," Lala Shovket, leader of the Liberal Party of Azerbaijan (LPA).

Ms Shovket has emphasized that in the context of boycott of the election by real oppositional forces, it will become "actually uncontested".

We remind you that on August 8 Eldar Namazov, leader of the Public Forum "In the Name of Azerbaijan", refused to take part in the presidential election.

On July 9, the oppositional political block "Azadlyg" (Freedom) made a final decision to boycott the October 15 presidential election in Azerbaijan. The block believes that the electoral commissions are under the control of the authorities, and the freedom of speech and assemblies is restricted in the country.

On August 2, the "Musavat" Party, the Democratic Party and the Party of "Classical People's Front" announced their refusal from participation in the election.