BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Azerbaijan has increased the use of video technology to ensure transparency at the upcoming Presidential election by doubling the number of cameras at internet-connected polling stations to more than 1,000.

The measure will ensure extra transparency when 4.9 million voters go to the polls on October 9^th.

And after recently assessing election preparations, the Council of Europe's Ukrainian member Ivan Popescu praised "a very well-organized presidential election in Azerbaijan."

Sergey Lebedev, Chairman of the CIS's Executive Committee, also told reporters: "Frankly speaking, I haven't received any negative comments on the election preparations."

Incumbent President Ilham Aliyev - who is running for his third term in office - and his government will doubtless welcome a new report by the Brussels-based European Strategic Intelligence and Security Centre, which this month praised Azerbaijan as a "model of good governance".

"For months, the government of Azerbaijan has reiterated its strong commitment to organize free and fair, transparent, and objective elections," wrote Vice-CEO William Racimora.

"In this regard, the country has improved its legal framework and has highlighted the importance it attaches to a close cooperation with international organizations."

The ruling New Azerbaijan Party aims to fight the election on the economy for a number of reasons. Azerbaijan's growth for the first six months of 2013 stood at five percent; the nation runs a surplus which is 3.6 percent of GDP and, crucially for a nation wanting to diversify its economy, the non-oil sector grew by 11 percent in the first half of the year.

On the proceeds of this economic boom, the government has embarked upon a massive capital works project that has resulted in President Aliyev opening brand-new schools and roads as he campaigns across the nation.

Aliyev's initial opponent, screenwriter Rustam Ibragimbekov, has been ruled ineligible due to his Russian citizenship. The preferred candidate of the Opposition parties at this election is now Camil Hasanli.

SOURCE Azerbaijan Monitor