Results from a 2006 IFES survey on Azerbaijani democracy and elections sparked debate during a visit to IFES by visitors from the South Caucasus country on September 20. The delegation of 15 Azerbaijanis, organized by the American Councils for International Education, represented the president’s office, parliament, local government, media and nongovernmental organizations.

“We are delighted to be part of the effort to strengthen elections and enhance democracy in Azerbaijan, said Anthony Bowyer, IFES program manager for the Caucasus and Central Asia.

Bowyer and IFES Executive Vice President Jim Vermillion presented an overview of the work IFES has conducted in Azerbaijan since 1997, including its current project advising the Central Election Commission. In this role, IFES works to increase transparency in the way election disputes are resolved, achieve political balance within local election commissions, prepare poll workers and improve the country's voter registration process. IFES' work in Azerbaijan is funded by USAID.

IFES began conducting public opinion surveys in Azerbaijan in 1998. IFES Research Manager Rakesh Sharma presented findings from the latest survey, setting off a debate about whether the findings presented an accurate picture of the country’s attitudes on democracy and elections.

Ilkin Hacirza oghlu Mammadov, a journalist with Radio Liberty’s Azerbaijan service, questioned one of the survey’s findings in which 44 percent of respondents said the 2005 elections “completely met” or “mostly met” international standards. He likened the outcome of elections in Azerbaijan to Kinder Chocolate, a popular confection in Europe that contains a toy surprise.

“You don’t know what you are going to pull out of it,” said Mammadov. He added that while Azerbaijani citizens may not know all of the international standards for elections, they do know the major reforms that are needed.

“We are ready for democracy and in our heads we know what reforms need to be done,” he said.

Tahir Suleymanov, a representative of the presidential office in Azerbaijan, said the survey results indicated that the country was making progress in election reform and that there was a high degree of public trust in the president and ruling party.

Senan Rzayev, a senior correspondent with the Echo Daily newspaper, suggested that IFES should modify its survey methodology to get more accurate results. Sharma defended the methodology used for the survey, saying it abides by accepted international standards and is based on sound scientific principles. Both agreed that a thorough interpretation of survey results requires a country-specific context in order to understand the many elements and conditions affecting popular opinion. IFES’ 10 years of work in Azerbaijan has put it in a position to render such interpretations and work effectively with a multitude of local partners.