Activity Details (ID# 4587)

Activity Synopsis

The aim of the Training seminar was to discuss the Azeri Electoral Code and how it could be implemented in conformity with European standards. Furthermore, practical exercises should help participants in preparing for Election Day. 

The Training seminar took place in the well equipped International Press Center in Baku. With the help of the Information and Documentation Centre of the Council of Europe, Recommendation (99) 15 on the media coverage of election campaigns and its Explanatory Memorandum as well as the Handbook on media and elections, both translated into Azeri, were distributed to participants.

The Training seminar was covered by at least two TV stations.

The CoE experts agreed that the Election Code was among the more comprehensive and detailed they have ever seen. They devoted particular attention to those provisions which may create possibilities for fraud, for example regarding the use of the mobile ballot box. Here the authorities need to make sure that adequate control mechanisms are in place.

A practical exercise organised on the last day of the Training seminar showed that despite the detailed instructions of the Electoral Code when it comes to implementing it several questions arise. The exercise helped clarify some critical issues, such as whether members of the precinct election commission are allowed to cast votes after the closure of the polling station.

The CoE experts deplored the fact that the Electoral Code does not impose any obligations on private broadcasters to cover the election campaign in a fair and balanced manner as required by Recommendation (99) 15 on measures concerning media coverage of election campaigns. It was emphasised that the Press Group, established by the Central Election Commission in order to monitor the election campaign in the media, should pay particular attention to reacting to biased media coverage.

Participation from the Central Election Commission was very good. It is, however, regrettable that there were only few participants from the media, probably due to the fact that invitations were not sent out in time. 

The Central Election Commission will organise follow-up Seminars with members of regional election commissions in order to pass on the knowledge acquired during this Training seminar. 

Members of the Central Election Commission, judges, journalists, representatives of NGOs, representatives of political parties

 

Serguei Kouznetsov, Administrative Officer, Venice Commission, Pall Thorhallsson, Administrative Officer, Media Division, DG II