Azerbaijan's Post-Karabakh Era: Hopes for Democracy and Municipal Elections

Baku/17.10.23/Turan:  On October 15, President Ilham Aliyev raised the national flag in Khankendi, marking a symbolic moment in Azerbaijan's recapture of the Karabakh region. With this significant milestone achieved, questions now arise about the future of democracy in Azerbaijan and the forthcoming municipal elections scheduled for next year.

The return of Karabakh has prompted considerations about the upcoming municipal elections. Under the reintegration plan outlined by the presidential administration, the administration of Armenian settlements in Karabakh is being facilitated through special representative offices of the President of Azerbaijan. This raises questions about the formation of municipalities in the region and who will be eligible to participate in the elections.

Changes to legislation may be required to accommodate these unique circumstances. As Azerbaijan prepares for these elections, it has been noted that the budget allocation for the Central Election Commission (CEC) has seen a significant increase. The draft law on the state budget for 2024 reveals that 110 million 935 thousand manats will be allocated from the state budget for elections and statistical events next year. This represents a substantial increase, 2.3 times more than the funds allocated for similar purposes in 2023.

The year 2024 is crucial for municipal elections, but it raises questions about the possibility of additional elections, such as a referendum. With these developments, there is growing anticipation about whether democracy will take root in Azerbaijan.

Bashir Suleymanli, the head of the Institute of Civil Rights, addresses these questions and more in the program "Difficult Question." He remains cautiously optimistic about the prospects of democracy in Azerbaijan, noting that there is still much work to be done. Suleymanli emphasized the need for legislative improvements and changes in law enforcement practices to pave the way for democratic progress.

However, he also acknowledged the geopolitical complexities in the region, marked by ongoing tensions, which may limit the government's ability to take substantial steps toward democratization in the near term. The road to democracy in Azerbaijan, it seems, remains a challenging and evolving journey.--0--