Azerbaijani authorities continue meeting with opposition parties ahead of presidential election - top official

Azerbaijan, Baku, April 5 / Trend M. Aliyev / Azerbaijani authorities continue meeting with the opposition parties on the eve of the presidential election, the Head of Azerbaijani Presidential Administration's Social and Political Department Ali Hasanov said. "We will continue meeting with the opposition parties, electoral institutions and non-governmental organizations on the eve of the presidential election to discuss the elections, organization of the electoral process as well as all other parties and issues of concern related to holding transparent and democratic elections," he underscored. Hasanov believes the purpose of the dialogue should be not in imposing the one's will on someone or coercing someone to something. "The presidential election is awaiting us. The challenge is to hold the election in a democratic and transparent way, so that all interested parties, sides and structures, willing to participate in the election, join these discussions, and everyone becomes contented with the results of the election," Hasanov said. When asked about the interference of foreign countries in the presidential election, the head of the department said every electoral process is not only a national issue of this country, it affects the obligations made by this country to international organizations, the future of relations with the international community as well as other matters. "In this sense, along with friendly foreign states, there are also competing countries. Each country approaches the elections held in Azerbaijan from the point of its own interests and relations with us. The influence of foreign countries is always present. As it is known, there are states that have been cooperating with Azerbaijan for a long period in political, economic and social spheres; they also inadvertently affect the elections. Certain voters participating in the elections in Azerbaijan have established relationships with foreign NGOs. They may also make a certain impact. However, the result of the elections held in each country generally depends on the people and the voters. We try to protect our voters and the electoral process from the outer circles and dependence on certain states, so that the citizens make their choices by acting on their own," Hasanov said. The presidential elections are planned to be held in Azerbaijan this autumn. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az