In Nakhichevan, deputy candidates state violations during election campaign

Violations in the course of the election campaign in the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic were reported today during a press conference by three candidates to the Parliament of Azerbaijan from the opposition block "PPFA-Musavat".

Candidate Ilyas Abdullaev told that he had recalled his candidacy, stating the absence in Nakhichevan of the environment of fair election competition and "the atmosphere of fear and intimidation in the republic" as the main reason of his decision.

"I can tell a lot, but I don't want to put people at risk. I was hoping that the atmosphere of the elections would be a little of normal. However, already in the course of collecting voters' signatures I faced problems and interference of local authorities," said Abdullaev.

On the contrary, Sakhavat Aliev, another candidate from the block "PPFA-Musavat", called his rival to withdraw - Academician Isa Gabibbeili, an acting MP. According to Aliev, the campaign is run on unequal terms and under interference of executive authorities and the police.

The candidate Yashar Bagirsoy also stated the above-mentioned problems. "I could not register a single observer at the polling stations. Besides, my campaign posters are destroyed by the authorities," said Bagirsoy.

The press service of the ruling party "Eni Azerbaijan" rejected the claims of violations of the law in the course of the election campaign.