High Voter Turnout Observed from the Start of Election Day

High Voter Turnout Observed from the Start of Election Day High Voter Turnout Observed from the Start of Election Day https://innews.media/en/news/id-35271

Our observations indicate that voter activity is high in the early hours of election day, with the technical setup of polling stations organized in compliance with election laws. Ramil Iskandarli, one of the co-founders of the "For Civil Society" Election Observation Coalition, shared these insights with Innews.

The "For Civil Society" Election Observation Coalition is monitoring the snap elections to the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, held on September 1. This coalition was established by the "Prioritet" Socio-Economic Research Center, the "Legal Analysis and Research" NGO, and the "Activity Promotion of Municipalities" NGO.

A total of 112,749 local observers have been accredited to participate in the parliamentary elections, with 65,000 representing 25 political parties. Over 600 international organizations are also involved in observing the elections.

The parliamentary elections scheduled for September 1 have drawn an unprecedented number of observers from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society. The "For Civil Society" Election Observation Coalition is monitoring voting day with more than 500 observers across 75 electoral districts, including the liberated territories of Zangilan, Fuzuli, Lachin, Khankendi, Khojaly, and Shusha.

Nadir Ismayilov, an observer from the coalition at precinct 46 of the Shusha-Aghdam-Khojavand electoral district No. 124 in Shusha city, noted that the procedures for placing and sealing empty ballot boxes before the opening of the polling station were conducted in accordance with legal requirements. "The voting booths meet the standards set by international and national legislation. Full provisions have been made to ensure secret voting at the polling station, and the technical equipment is organized in line with election law requirements," he said.

Fariz Akbarov, another observer from the "For Civil Society" Election Observation Coalition, reported that the voting process is proceeding smoothly at the polling stations: "Mobile ballot boxes have been prepared to ensure the participation of sick and elderly citizens. The process is being conducted in compliance with the Election Code, with no instances of external interference. Voter turnout is high."

It should be noted that more than 5,500 observers from civil society and NGOs have registered to observe the parliamentary elections this year, a record compared to previous elections. These observers represent 16 public organizations, a number that is seven times higher than in the 2015 Milli Majlis elections for this category, and four times higher than in the 2020 parliamentary elections.

1,000 polling stations across the country have installed web cameras to enable live and continuous monitoring of the voting process without the need for registration.

General Observations in the Early Hours of Election Day:

• In most polling stations observed, the voting process is proceeding normally.

• The technical setup of polling stations is organized in accordance with election legislation.

• Procedures for placing and sealing empty ballot boxes before the opening of polling stations have been conducted according to legal requirements.

• Voting booths are designed to meet the standards outlined in international and national legislation, with conditions in place to ensure secret voting.

• Portable ballot boxes have been prepared to ensure the participation of sick and elderly citizens, in accordance with the Election Code.

• Voting in Braille is available at polling stations, and ramps have been installed for citizens with disabilities.

• In the initial hours, no external interference in the voting process has been reported, and voter turnout is high. There have been no reports of pressure on voters by precinct commission members or others who could influence their choice.

• There have been no instances of one voter casting a ballot on behalf of another.

• Web cameras are installed in several polling stations and locations with additional technical facilities (such as schools).

• Observers have been provided with all necessary conditions to monitor the election process.

• Various international organizations, parties, public organizations, NGOs, and others have been given the necessary conditions to observe the election process in accordance with the law.

• It has been possible to take photos and videos at polling stations, as well as to use internet resources.