Expert on municipalities: "The Constitution should be amended...’

As Azerbaijan gears up for its municipal elections scheduled for next year, the nation finds itself at a critical juncture following the full restoration of control over the Karabakh region. On October 15, President Ilham Aliyev marked this historic moment by raising the national flag in Khankendi, underscoring the government's commitment to consolidating authority in the region.

In line with a comprehensive reintegration plan outlined by the Presidential Administration, special representative offices of the Azerbaijani president have been established to oversee governance in areas with Armenian residents in Karabakh. Furthermore, plans are underway to form municipalities within Karabakh, reflecting a broader effort to solidify administrative structures in the region.

While these developments unfold, some experts argue that adjustments to municipal legislation are imperative to accommodate the evolving dynamics. The New Azerbaijan Party, which holds a majority in the Milli Majlis (National Assembly), has yet to officially respond to these proposals. However, Deputy Fazil Mustafain an interview with Turan, has indicated that the current legislation encompasses provisions related to municipalities, emphasizing the need for these bodies to be genuinely effective.

"In Karabakh, it is more important to have a specific working organization, a municipality," Mustafa asserted. "It is necessary to revive municipalities throughout the Republic."

Mustafa's vision extends beyond the realm of municipalities. He believes it is essential to allow individuals of all backgrounds to participate actively in the political life of the country. "Azerbaijan is a civilized and democratic state, where everyone, without distinction of nationality, has the right to take an active part in the political life of the country," he declared.

However, challenges have plagued the functionality of municipalities in Azerbaijan since their inception. Hafiz Hasanov, head of the Public Union "Law and Development," drew the attention of Radio Azadlig to the issue of overlapping powers, which has hindered these bodies from effectively functioning as self-governing entities.

"In our Constitution, local self-government bodies are not considered state bodies," Hasanov explained. "The fact that we have municipalities in a non-state form means that they do not have the opportunity to become real institutions of power."

Hasanov envisions a restructuring of local self-government, advocating for a shift toward municipalities in all cities and villages, free from state interference. To achieve this goal, he contends that changes to the Constitution are necessary, along with amendments to existing legislation.

Large city municipalities, acting as independent entities in self-governance, are among Hasanov's proposed changes. "In this sense, 15 acts of law regarding municipalities should be amended, and on the basis of this, the section 'municipalities' should also be changed in the Electoral Code," he explained.

While the Council of Europe has previously recommended the creation of municipalities in large cities in Azerbaijan, government officials have yet to embrace these proposals. The upcoming municipal elections, slated for 2024, will offer a pivotal moment for the nation to redefine its approach to local governance.

It's worth noting that Azerbaijan has never conducted municipal elections in Karabakh, dating back to the loss of control over the region in 1988, at the onset of the conflict.