IFES - Azerbaijan
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Azerbaijan
IFES’ work in
Currently, IFES is working with local partners to improve the conduct of elections and increase public awareness about the electoral process. In the past, we have assisted municipalities as they put in place measures to improve local self-governance and have worked with the election commission to increase voting among citizens with disabilities.
IFES’ work in Azerbaijan has been funded by USAID as well as by the Asian Development Bank; the British, German and Norwegian embassies; the OSCE; the Westminster Foundation for Democracy; and Statoil.
Current Projects
Building Azerbaijan’s Electoral Infrastructure
Working with the government and the Central Election Commission, IFES aims to strengthen the country’s electoral processes and administration in order to enable the government to meet international and national election commitments. The country will hold presidential and municipal elections in 2008. IFES offers assistance in two broad but interrelated areas: the legal framework for elections and electoral administration.
IFES has provided the CEC (and other commissions) with technical advice and assistance developing training programs. We are currently working with Azerbaijani authorities to revise the legal electoral framework and improve the national voter registry with revisions. In addition, we are facilitating dialogue between the CEC and election observation groups and establishing methods to monitor media coverage of elections.
Improving the Legal Framework for Elections
Azerbaijan’s 2003 Election Code has generally been regarded as a major improvement over its previous legal frameworks for elections. However, experience from the elections of the past few years has exposed a few weaknesses. Since 2006, IFES has been working with Azerbaijani lawmakers, local NGOs and the international community to improve the legal framework for elections and for local self-governing bodies (i.e., municipalities). To reach this goal, laws must be clearer, more effective, and in harmony with international norms. By engaging all of the stakeholders in the process of legal reform, IFES has developed a relationship of trust with both those inside and outside of government.
IFES’ support for electoral reform has been complemented by a wide array of informational and training materials that can be used by election administrators, international/local observation groups and others interested in the electoral process.
In addition, IFES has engaged government agencies and the judiciary with the aim of promoting transparency, accountability and good administrative practices in the implementation of existing legislation.
Improving Voter Registration
IFES is currently working with authorities in Azerbaijan to improve the process for keeping the voter registry up to date. To do so, IFES staff are examining the quality and accessibility of data available to update the voter registry.
Surveying Citizens’ Knowledge and Beliefs
IFES has conducted multiple surveys (1998, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, ) in Azerbaijan that probe citizen attitudes towards the economic and political situation in their country as well as their beliefs about democracy, Azerbaijan’s status as a democracy, and the role of citizens in a democracy. Among other things, the surveys indicate the Azerbaijanis’ interest in politics has grown over time.
To learn more about our experts from this region, visit here.
For more information, please contact us at europe.asia.programs@ifes.org.
Applications and resumes are not accepted at this address.
Azerbaijan News and Materials
IFES.org Feature: Azerbaijan Presidential Elections
IFES.org Feature: Azerbaijanis Seek Solutions to Decline in Women's Participation
IFES News in Brief: Azerbaijanis Debate Election Reform
Survey: Public Opinion in Azerbaijan 2006 (.pdf)
Get more related News, Commentary and Surveys »