While there are several television stations with nationwide coverage in Azerbaijan, citizens have very limited access to diverse political views in the broadcast media, reads an interim report issued by election observation mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.

“This is most importantly due to a de facto government monopoly on television, with all national TV channels – including the state broadcaster AzTV and the public broadcaster ITV – presenting mainly the activities of the authorities and rarely showing opposition leaders and their views. The print media is more diverse, with some opposition-oriented or independent newspapers,” the report reads.

The statement also mentions that election observation mission received several reports alleging pressure on and intimidation of candidates, their representatives, and voters.

Azerbaijani parliamentary elections are scheduled for November 7, 2010.