On Sunday 13 October, ALDE Party member in Azerbaijan, Müsavat Partiyası, held its party congress during which they elected its leader for the next four years.

Arif Hajili was re-elected as a chairman of the party for the second time in the race of three candidates. He was first elected chairman in 2014. Elections for the party Assembly and the Central Control-Inspection Commission were also held at the congress.

Mr Hajili first elected thanked the members of the party operating in difficult conditions for their struggle and pledged to continue to fight for human rights and freedoms for democracy in Azerbaijan.

Prior to the Congress, ALDE Party President Hans van Baalen wrote to Mr Hajili in which he noted that Müsavat became a member of the European liberal family in October 2007 and we now celebrate more than 12 years together.

“We have considerable respect for you and your party and we support you in your determination to bring democracy and greater respect for human rights to your country, and your enthusiasm promoting a pro-European future and liberal values in Azerbaijan,” he wrote.