Text of report by Azerbaijani newspaper 'Yeni Musavat' on 2nd

November entitled "PNIA has chosen boycott option"

[Subhead] However, the party is to observe the elections

Despite the fact that the attitude of the country's
leading political forces towards the municipal elections was
already known, PNIA [Party for National Independence of
Azerbaijan] members were hesitating about whether to
participate in or to boycott the municipal elections [scheduled
for 12th December]. And for this reason it was decided to
resolve the issue at the party congress. However, it was
assumed that the party would run in the elections, judging by
general preparations for the elections. But the party congress,
held the day before yesterday, decided to boycott the elections.

The PNIA deputy chairman, Maharram Zulfugarly, substantiated
this decision with the falsifications in formation of the
electoral commissions, the unsatisfactory status of the
municipalities and the control over the elections by the
previous Central Electoral Commission. Zulfugarly said that the
PNIA was boycotting the elections actively, that is to say, the
PNIA will participate in monitoring and observing the elections.
Asked whether the PNIA will join the Constitutional Elections
Bloc boycotting the elections, Zulfugarly said that the issue
had not been discussed yet.

Source: 'Yeni Musavat', Baku, in Azeri 02 Nov 99 p1
BBC Mon TCU 021199 sh/fm