Twenty-five political parties are participating in the snap parliamentary election in Azerbaijan, with 990 candidates competing for 125 positions in parliament. The election is the first since Azerbaijan regained full control of a former breakaway territory in a military offensive last year. President Ilham Aliyev cast his ballot alongside his family, with international observers closely monitoring the process. Previous elections in Azerbaijan have been criticized for not being fully free or fair, and it is not expected that significant changes will be brought to the parliament dominated by President Aliyev’s New Azerbaijan party.
A voter expressed the hope that their vote would enhance the education system and create more job opportunities, leading to less unemployment. Another voter stated that it was their duty to participate in the elections in order to vote for a stable and prosperous life. The ruling party currently holds the majority of seats in parliament, with the remaining seats belonging to small pro-government parties or independents. The election in 2024 is the second time that the people of Azerbaijan are voting, after the presidential elections that took place seven months ago, reflecting ongoing political engagement in the country.
The major opposition Musavat party put forth 34 candidates for the election, but only 25 were registered to run. The Republican Alternative opposition party will run 12 candidates. The election was decreed by Aliyev to take place two months early, as it originally coincided with Baku hosting the United Nations climate talks, known as COP29. The election also comes a year after Azerbaijani forces reclaimed the Karabakh region in a military operation, leading to the displacement of many of the region’s Armenian residents. Voters in Azerbaijan expressed their desire for the development of the country and better conditions for the younger generation.
More than 6.4 million people are registered to vote in the election, and 200 international observers have been invited by the Azerbaijani government to monitor the process. The National Election Commission stated that 50 organizations will conduct observer missions, with the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe set to present its preliminary assessment of the election. The election is seen as crucial in shaping the future governance of Azerbaijan for the next five years. The people of Azerbaijan have shown a commitment to participating in the democratic process, with a variety of political parties and candidates vying for positions in parliament.
Overall, the snap parliamentary election in Azerbaijan is significant not only for the country itself but also in the context of regional challenges and ongoing geopolitical tensions. The election marks an opportunity for the people of Azerbaijan to have a say in the governance of their country and to shape its future direction. With a diverse range of political parties and candidates participating, the outcome of the election could potentially lead to changes in the composition of the parliament. The participation of international observers further underscores the importance of ensuring a transparent and fair electoral process. As the results of the election are awaited, the people of Azerbaijan remain engaged and hopeful for a better future.
