EU expresses concern about restrictions imposed by new law on  political parties in Azerbaijan

ArmInfo.The European Union is concerned about the restrictions introduced by the new law on political parties in Azerbaijan. This is stated in the statement of  the Spokesperson of the EU, in connection with the new law on  political parties in Azerbaijan.

Brussels expressed the belief that it risks having a chilling effect  on political pluralism and on the fundamental rights and freedoms  such as freedom of association, freedom of expression and freedom of  peaceful assembly in Azerbaijan. These rights are fundamental to the  functioning of a democratic society.

"The EU urges Azerbaijan to address the long-standing recommendations  by the Council of Europe Venice Commission on the previous law on  political parties, and the recommendations in the Venice Commission  and OSCE /ODHIR Opinion of 13 March on this new law.  Political   parties, as the main collective instruments for political  expression, contribute to voicing the political will of citizens.  Vibrant, accountable and inclusive multiparty systems must be  guaranteed," they noted.

At the beginning of this year, a new law was adopted in Azerbaijan,  which significantly narrows the already limited space for the  political activities of the opposition. The Law on Political Parties,  signed by President Ilham Aliyev on January 11, is a somewhat  watered-down version of the initial draft proposed in September last  year.

But opposition activists argue that the law is still repressive, and  that the relaxation of some of its most severe provisions is nothing  more than a farce orchestrated by the ruling party and its cronies in  parliament.

During the discussions, the MPs decided to cancel  the requirement  that the party should have 200 founders who have permanently resided  in Azerbaijan in the last 20 years; now the minimum number of  founders is 50 citizens of Azerbaijan, who may not live in the  country.

The minimum number of members has been reduced from 10,000 to 5,000,  and the period within which parties must enforce the law from its  entry into force has been increased from 90 to 180 days. Another  controversial provision removed from the final text concerned the  automatic deregistration of parties that did not take part in two  elections in a row.

However, some of the other points that were criticized were retained.  For example, parties must submit to the relevant authorities a  complete list of their members, including their national  identification numbers, addresses and telephone numbers. If the state  decides to de-register a party, a ban on conducting activities "by  any means", including meetings and financial transactions, comes into  force. In addition, the party can only receive donations or  membership fees in national currency and by bank transfer, which  makes it difficult to receive donations from abroad.