Riaz Ahmad Malik
In all 1637 candidates including 357 women are in the run for125 member Milli Majlis
to be elected for 5 yearsA delegation of Parliamentarians, Observers and Media men from Pakistan
is also heading Baku for observing, monitoring and
coverage purposesHopefully new Parliament would largely make contributions to the reforms introduced by President Ilham Aliyev for alleviating the living standard of the masses
Azerbaijan is one of the most excitedly developing countries, constantly carrying out political, social and economic reforms for the advancement of its masses. The Eurasian state located in the southern part of the Caucasus at the crossroads of Southwest Asia and Southeastern Europe with the population of ten million, is situated over 86000 square kilometers. Historically it is part of the Great Silk Road and situated at crossroads of the geopolitical, economic and cultural interests of many nations and civilizations. References to this amazing land can be found in the ancient writings of Herodotus, Strabo and Claudius Ptolemy. The country is proud of its multi ethnic society, religious and national tolerance. It is the first democratic Republic in the East which has provided voting rights to its women.
Now the country is all set for voting on February 9 for the election of 125 member Milli Majlis for next five years. As far as the Election Commission is concerned it has undertook all the necessary arrangements for the holding of free, fair and peaceful elections in thecountry. It provided all the contesting political parties and candidates’ equal opportunities to reach to their potential supporters and persuade them for votes. To raise awareness among the masses and contenders it conducted workshops about the Registration of candidates, media coverage, handling of appeals on violation of electoral laws, judicial settlements of disputes and training of the electoral staff.
It is noteworthy that in all 1637 candidates are in the run including 357 women and 272 represent 19 different political parties. Out of 125 electoral districts, no voting will take in ten constituencies of conflict affected areas. IDPs of theseterritories will vote in 523 specially organized zones.
After visiting a number of constituencies the other day, and talking with different candidates Mr. Oleg Kuleba, the CIS member expresse his complete satisfaction over the arrangements made by the Central Election Commission by saying that he had not encountered any complaint or negative view about the forthcoming exercise. He added that he can say with full confidence that the electoral process is being conducted as per the electoral laws.
Interestingly, more than 50,000 Observers have been accredited, of which 429 are international monitors. As far as Pakistan is concerned, a 15 member delegation comprising Parliamentarians, Observers and Media men will also be in Baku for observing, monitoring and coverage purposes. Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe ( PACE ) has appointed Mr. Frank Schwabe as head of its observation mission.
It is noteworthy that the Azerbaijan under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev is continuing its journey towards the progress and prosperity. On his part TelmanTahirli, Chairman National Cultural Autonomy of Azerbaijanis has expressed the hope that new parliament would make contributions largely to the reforms introduced in the country for raising the living standard of its masses.
Dmitry Savelyev, member of Russian State Duma and head of Russian-Azerbaijani Inter Parliamentary Friendship Group is of the view that this election will set a new stage of transformation and Azerbaijani people’s confidence in the quality changes brought by President Ilham Aliyev is the major guarantor of country’s steady progress and prosperity. He went on to say that Azerbaijan will once again will demonstrate a responsible approach towards the formation of the new parliament and ensure the holding of elections in full compliance with the country’s legislation and international laws.
As far as Pakistan is concerned its relations with Azerbaijan are developing at the highest level and inter-parliamentary relations are playing an important role to this effect.
