Azerbaijan’s electoral stagnation: Perspectives on a nation’s pre-election climate
Published: 9 January 2024 18:55
The upcoming presidential elections scheduled for February 7 are drawing closer in Azerbaijan. However, a sense of stagnation marks the pre-election phase and the country’s current agenda, setting this election apart from previous years.
Several factors contribute to this observed standstill. Restriction of freedoms within relevant legislation, opposition boycotts, impediments for independent candidates, a brief 23-day election campaign timeframe, and ongoing repression within the nation are key elements influencing the current situation.
Seymur Hazi, deputy chairman of the Azerbaijan People’s Front Party (APF), asserts that the country lacks a true election process. He highlights the absence of genuine competition, arguing that the electoral environment is vibrant where there is genuine competition. This absence of competitive spirit contributes to the perceived inertia.
Akif Gurbanov, the speaker of the III Republican Platform, considers this political inactivity as a natural outcome. He suggests that the government’s focus on maintaining stability has led to artificial calm, primarily fueled by fear and repressive actions.
However, not all political figures share the same perspective. Fazil Mustafa, the chairman of the Great Organization Party, offers a different outlook, stating that the campaign process is yet to commence fully. He notes that the registration phase is ongoing, indicating that increased activity is expected once this initial stage concludes.
Election monitoring organizations echo concerns about the political pressures affecting the current environment. Anar Mammadli, chairman of the Center for Election Monitoring and Democracy Education (SMDT), points to increased political arrests and limitations on social and political activities as significant contributors to the stagnation. Moreover, the absence of influential political figures participating in the process further impacts voter sentiment and socio-political dynamics.
Despite the challenges, efforts towards election observation persist. Mammadli expresses intentions to observe local polling stations within his residential area, showcasing a continued commitment to monitoring the electoral process.
Concerns about limited financial capabilities within civil society are raised by Bashir Suleymanli, head of the Institute of Civil Rights. He emphasizes that financial constraints and various pressures, including persecutions and legislative changes, hinder effective election monitoring efforts.
Meanwhile, the Central Election Commission (CEC) reports international observer interest, with 72 observers from 19 countries set to monitor the elections. Mazahir Panahov, CEC’s chairman, highlights the involvement of various observer missions from international entities and local organizations in overseeing the electoral process.
The elections are set for February 7, 2024, following President Ilham Aliyev’s order last December. Several candidates have emerged, including incumbent President Ilham Aliyev and various deputies from pro-government parties. However, the decision of opposition parties like PFPA, Musavat, and Classic People’s Front to boycott the elections marks existing divisions within the political landscape.