Azerbaijan Faces Scrutiny Over Elections as Criticism Mounts on OSCE Recommendations

Azerbaijan is set to host at least two extraordinary elections next year, stirring up a renewed wave of international scrutiny, particularly from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's (OSCE) Bureau of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. The OSCE has periodically issued recommendations to Azerbaijan, encompassing amendments to electoral legislation, the guarantee of assembly freedom, impartiality in election administration, and smoother candidate registration processes.

However, criticism has emerged from within Azerbaijan, with Deputy Elman Nasirov from the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (YAP) in an interview with Turan expressing dissatisfaction with the OSCE's stance. Nasirov contends that the OSCE has failed to adopt an objective position regarding elections in Azerbaijan, contrasting it with the praise given to elections in Armenia. He alleges bias, asserting that such international institutions hold little value for the Azerbaijani people, who see them as bringing preconceived reports during their visits.

Despite these claims, Azerbaijan emphasizes its commitment to democratic values, with Nasirov highlighting the nation's constitutional status as a democratic, legal, secular, unitary state. He sees each election as a step forward in Azerbaijan's democratic development, downplaying the influence of international organizations in shaping the country's political landscape.

Fazil Mustafa, a member of the human rights committee of the Milli Majlis, in an interview with Turan dismissed the prioritization of OSCE recommendations, calling attention to their perceived bias during the occupation in Karabakh. Mustafa suggests that highlighting these recommendations as a priority is misplaced, emphasizing Azerbaijan's positive stance toward implementing relevant suggestions while cautioning against turning them into a political campaign.

Anar Mammadli, head of the Election Monitoring and Democracy Education Center, in an interview with Radio Azadlig,  acknowledges the multifaceted nature of OSCE recommendations. While some could be implemented during the election period, others, such as changes to election legislation, may require more time. Mammadli points to the crucial role of political will in realizing these recommendations and notes that Azerbaijan's lack of it impedes their full implementation.

Despite the ongoing debate, confidence in Azerbaijan's elections has waned over the years, according to Mammadli. He attributes this erosion of trust not only to electoral irregularities but also to the judiciary's failure to address complaints. Over the past three years, numerous complaints have been sent to the European Court of Human Rights, signaling a growing disillusionment with the electoral process.

Bashir Suleymanli, head of the Civil Rights Institute, He draws the attention of Radio Azadlig echoes these concerns, noting that recommendations from international organizations have gone largely unheeded. He highlights decisions from the European Court of Human Rights, indicating partial implementation, and criticizes the government for a lack of post-election steps to address identified problems.

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights recently declared that Azerbaijan's recent elections did not meet international standards. With presidential and parliamentary elections held earlier than scheduled, purportedly to expedite reforms, opposition voices have accused the government of hastily conducting elections with alleged fraud. Municipal elections are expected to follow as initially planned towards the end of the upcoming year.