Azernews.Az

The presidential elections in Azerbaijan were free, fair and transparent, heads of the PACE and European Parliament delegations, Robert Walter and Pino Arlacchi, said at a joint press conference on October 10, a day after the vote.

"PACE and the European Parliament delegations were invited by the Azerbaijani government to observe the presidential election," the statement said.

"As heads of the delegations, we congratulate the Azerbaijani people on the peaceful holding of the election campaign and voting."

"On election day, we observed a free, fair and transparent electoral process," Walter and Arlacchi said. They said many local and international observers were observing the electoral process and this is worthy of approval. The electoral process was peaceful the day before the voting and on October 9, election day.

According to the results announced by Azerbaijan's Central Election Commission after the processing of ballots from 99.53 percent of the polling stations, President Ilham Aliyev gained 3,118,287 votes (84.59 percent).

The heads of the delegations were satisfied with the Azerbaijani government's technical preparations for the elections.

"On election day, no pressure was exerted on the voters," the statement said. "There were no policemen at polling stations, as prescribed by the electoral legislation."

According to the observers, nonetheless, some improvements may be suggested in this area.

"The debates were held more freely compared to the previous elections," the observers stressed.

They said some opportunities were created for the opposition, and this trend must continue in the future.

"The current election is its beginning. We urge the Azerbaijani government to thoroughly develop the country on the way to democracy."

Head of the European Parliament's observation mission Pino Arlacchi stressed the large number of women at polling stations and as part of election commissions.

"This is a very important factor in terms of gender equality," he said, adding that the vast majority of voters supported Ilham Aliyev.

"No violations that could affect the election results were revealed," he said. "The information about ballot box stuffing was not confirmed."

Head of the PACE delegation Robert Walter said that the observers were informed of refugees and internally displaced persons in Azerbaijan.

"We recognize the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan," he added. "The country's government has created all conditions for refugees and internally displaced persons' voting. Recognition or non-recognition of the election results by candidates who did not succeed in the election is their own choice."

According to the observers, the missions' final reports will be published by the two organizations in the coming weeks.