We share ODIHR’s observations and concerns that the February 7 presidential election in Azerbaijan occurred in a restrictive environment with a lack of genuine competition. This is noted in a statement by the US Mission to the OSCE.

"The United States fully supports the work of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights [(ODIHR)] and the election observation missions it conducts.  We value the thorough, professional, and impartial assessments of the observers and we take their recommendations seriously,” the statement noted as well. 

“Azerbaijan has expressed its commitment to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms and democratic processes in its constitution and international commitments.  We encourage Azerbaijan to implement these commitments and ODIHR’s previous and forthcoming recommendations," the statement also states,” the statement concluded.