What Political Parties in Azerbaijan Are Taking to the Elections?

As the early parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan, scheduled for September 1, approach, the country's political landscape is characterized by contradictions and strategic decision-making. The Musavat Party, a significant opposition group, recently convened to discuss its participation in these elections. Party officials expressed concern over the persistent restrictions on fundamental democratic rights and freedoms, such as assembly, speech, and expression. They highlighted the ongoing detentions of political activists and journalists, emphasizing that these conditions hinder the conduct of fair and free elections.

Isa Gambar, chairman of the Musavat Party, told Turan that the party plans to hold an extraordinary session to decide on its election strategy, weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks of participating. Gambar stressed that any decision would be made with consideration of the broader interests of society and democracy in Azerbaijan.

In contrast, the REAL party has committed to participating in the elections, with 13 candidates already in the process of submitting their documents to the district election commissions. Natig Jafarli, a member of REAL's political committee, highlighted the importance of participating in elections to maintain the party's activity and expand its influence in a conversation with Radio Azadlyg. He noted that previous boycotts were ineffective, and the last 14 campaigns did not yield significant success. Jafarli argued that participating in the elections, despite unfavorable conditions, opens opportunities for the party's growth and advocacy.

However, the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP) has taken a different stance, boycotting both presidential and parliamentary elections in recent years. Mamed Ibrahim, an adviser to the party's chairman, stated that the APFP has not yet decided on its participation but doubts the feasibility of taking part under undemocratic conditions. Ibrahim argued that without substantial changes in the electoral environment, participation would be futile.

Political analyst Nasimi Mamedli, in a comment for Radio Azadlyg, critically assessed the political climate in Azerbaijan, calling it extremely restrictive. Mamedli noted that the country's majoritarian electoral system, which does not require a voter turnout quota, makes election boycotts legally insignificant. He argued that without behind-the-scenes negotiations with the authorities, opposition parties face significant difficulties in achieving meaningful results.

Mamedli also emphasized the lack of political activity in Azerbaijan, urging political parties and civil society to focus on promoting political revival. He noted that the election calendar, despite its shortcomings, provides an opportunity for political engagement and mobilization.

The upcoming elections are the first since the last parliamentary elections in February 2020. According to Azerbaijani law, municipal elections are also scheduled for this year, and the presidential elections, initially planned for 2025, were moved to February this year purportedly due to sovereignty issues in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has previously reported numerous violations in Azerbaijani elections, but officials have consistently dismissed the criticism.

As the election date approaches, the decisions of major political parties like Musavat, REAL, and APFP will largely determine the electoral landscape and the broader pursuit of democratic reforms in Azerbaijan.