“As the presidential elections to be held in Azerbaijan are important for the future of relations with Pakistan, we are closely following the election process. First of all, I would like to mention that the election process is going on in your country according to democratic principles, especially the conditions created for candidates to compete under equal conditions are exemplary for other countries,” Zaman Bajwa, a journalist, Executive Director of Islamabad-based think tank YFK, made the statement in a conversation with secki-2024.az.
Bajwa noted that Azerbaijan is a country with a tradition of democratic elections. As the first country in the East to give women the right to vote, Azerbaijan’s electoral tradition dates back a century. When Azerbaijan gave women the right to vote, this did not happen in countries that are currently considered advanced in the world.
“After regaining its independence, Azerbaijan further developed the tradition of democratic elections. Sufficient positive progress has been made both in terms of improvement of legislation and organization of elections. “Election experience and the perfect legislative framework suggest that the February 7 presidential elections will be held in accordance with fully transparent and democratic principles,” he said.
The Pakistani journalist emphasized that the conditions created for the participation of the media in the election process in Azerbaijan are also positive: “In the pre-election process, as well as in the coverage of the voting process on the election day, the activity of the media is fully ensured. This is an example that can serve as an example for other countries.”
