Azerbaijan's Delegation Faces PACE Restrictions Over Electoral Transparency and Human Rights Issues

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) plans to limit the powers of Azerbaijan's delegation, citing the country's violations of the organization's principles. 

The primary grievance against Azerbaijan is its failure to invite PACE observers to monitor the upcoming snap presidential elections scheduled for February 7. This official complaint adds to a history of criticism directed at Azerbaijan by the Council of Europe (CoE) and its bodies, leading to a special political penalty procedure initiated in 2017.

Sources in Strasbourg reveal that the PACE observers were not granted access to monitor Azerbaijan's elections, prompting concerns about the transparency and fairness of the electoral process. The move to limit the delegation's powers is seen as a response to this violation of PACE principles.

German lawmaker Frank Schwabe spearheaded the initiative, highlighting ongoing human rights violations and the increasing number of political prisoners in Azerbaijan. He also pointed to Baku's refusal to allow PACE delegation access to evaluate the snap presidential elections and the denial of entry to the Lachin corridor in 2023.

The proposal to limit Azerbaijan's delegation powers was put to a vote and secured majority approval during the PACE winter session. Emanuelis Zingeris, the chairman of the meeting, announced that the PACE Monitoring Committee would assess the proposal within the next 24 hours. Subsequently, PACE will convene to discuss the matter further and make a final decision.