President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan has issued a decree for snap parliamentary elections to be held on September 1, a move expected to maintain the dominance of his ruling New Azerbaijan Party in the country’s legislature.
The decision to dissolve the current parliament, which is controlled by Aliyev’s party with 69 out of 125 seats, comes amid preparations for hosting international events such as the United Nations climate change summit, COP29, in November.
President Aliyev, who secured a fifth term in February’s presidential election originally scheduled for 2025, has faced criticism regarding electoral processes from international observers. Despite concerns, Aliyev’s party is anticipated to secure another majority in the upcoming elections, reflecting the party’s longstanding influence in Azerbaijan’s political landscape.
Azerbaijan, a significant player in the global energy market with Western energy firms like BP operating in the country, plays a crucial role in the OPEC+ alliance to stabilize oil prices. The nation’s strategic geopolitical position has attracted attention from major powers like Russia and Turkey.
The call for early elections was supported by lawmakers who sought to avoid scheduling conflicts with international engagements. However, opposition parties have voiced criticism over the accelerated electoral timeline, raising concerns about transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
In recent months, Azerbaijan has been focused on rebuilding the Nagorno-Karabakh region following the 2020 conflict with ethnic Armenian forces. The military operation, championed by Aliyev, resulted in significant territorial gains for Azerbaijan and triggered the displacement of thousands of ethnic Armenians from the region.
While the opposition presence in parliament remains limited, critics argue that dissenting voices face challenges, citing instances of persecution against journalists and activists critical of the government.
As Azerbaijan prepares for the upcoming parliamentary elections, international scrutiny is expected to continue regarding the country’s political developments and electoral practices, highlighting the broader implications for democratic processes in the Caspian Sea region.
Stay tuned as Azerbaijan navigates through its political landscape in the lead-up to the September 1 elections, shaping the country’s future trajectory amidst ongoing global engagements and domestic challenges.
