Is Azerbaijan preparing for elections? - Alasgar Mammadli

Bakı/19.07.23/Turan:  Erkin Gadirli, a member of the political committee of the REAL Party and an MP in Azerbaijan, predicts that the country will hold four elections within the next year and a half.

Gadirli shared this view on his Telegram channel, stating that a referendum is expected in the fall of 2023, parliamentary elections in November of the following year, municipal elections in December, and presidential elections in April 2025.

Gadirli pointed out that the National Assembly recently approved changes to the state budget, including a significant increase in election spending for the remainder of 2023. He believes that this substantial increase provides strong indications that the referendum will take place this year, as such a large allocation of funds would not be made without reason.

The REAL Party member speculates that the referendum will be related to constitutional reforms. He raises the question of whether a completely new constitution will be introduced or if changes will be made to the existing one.

Gadirli highlights that the current constitution prohibits amendments to many articles, making it necessary to adopt a new constitution if changes are intended. However, he acknowledges the risks involved in such a decision and suggests that changes to the current constitution are more likely.

Gadirli also expects a comprehensive reform of the local self-government system, with the elimination of heads of executive power and the enlargement and strengthening of municipalities as a priority. He suggests that Azerbaijan's administrative-territorial division should be revised, including the possibility of addressing the status of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic through a constitutional referendum, which could have both positive and negative consequences.

The statements made by Erkin Gadirli were discussed by lawyer Alasgar Mammadli in the program "Difficult Question," hosted by Kamran Mahmudov.