Azerbaijan, Baku, 13 May / Trend corr. E.Babayev / The Azerbaijani National Independent Party (ANIP) is to boycott the upcoming presidential elections in the country. "The amendments and supplements introduced into the Election Code limit participation of the opposition camp in the elections," Ali Orujov, Deputy Chairman of ANIP, stated to Trend on 13 May.
The amendments and supplements into the election Code were made after the joint discussions between the Azerbaijani government and Council of Europe Venice Commission. The project has submitted to the Parliament and expected to be discussed in the end of May.
The main dissatisfaction of opposition was caused by the amendments into the Election Code, which imposes ban on printing of candidates' agitation campaign on the newspapers, television and radio free of charge, as well as chances in the framework of election commissions.
Orujev stated that the opposition air time was completely limited. "We cannot speak about participation in the elections in such situation. If the Parliament will pass the amendments and supplements into the Election Code then ANIP will boycott the upcoming presidential elections," Orujov said.
ANIP was rhe first party received registration in Azerbaijan in 1992. Etibar Mammadov had been the founder and chairman of the party by 2004. Presently, Mammadov is the deputy chairman of the International Democratic Alliance. Ayaz Rustamov current Chairman of the party resigned due to health problems. Anew chairman will be elected during the next meeting of the party.
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