PFPA: "The government seeks to make the activities of the real opposition impossible"

Proposed amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses (ICRC) in Azerbaijan could result in fines for political parties that fail to report changes to their membership registers. According to the draft amendments, officials would face fines ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 Manats, while legal entities would be fined 2,000 to 3,000 Manats.

The amendments also introduce fines for unregistered party activities and illegal donations received.

Elman Nasirov, a deputy from the ruling Yeni Azerbaijan Party (PEA), told Turan that the recently adopted "law on political parties" has caused widespread discussions.

He argued that the aim is to ensure that parties in Azerbaijan have the ability to influence social processes and questioned the impact of parties consisting solely of relatives, suggesting that they should focus on other activities.

Nasirov noted that the re-registration of political parties is currently on the agenda. The new law requires a minimum of 5,000 members for party registration (compared to the previous requirement of 1,000 members).

Nasirov explained that the collection of data on these 5,000 members, including their place of residence, place of work, and telephone numbers, is necessary.

If the law is violated, the proposed amendments to the ICRC would impose fines, even if a party is not registered and engaged in illegal activities or receiving illegal donations.

Seymour Khazi, deputy chairman of the opposition Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), in an interview with Radio Azadlig expressed concern about the increasingly difficult political situation in Azerbaijan.

He believes that the government aims to suppress genuine opposition parties, and the amendments to the ICRC are designed to further tighten control over political party activities. Hazi anticipates legal challenges, noting delays in party registrations that could result in fines.

The law "on political parties" approved earlier this year has also drawn criticism from the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe, which called for a revision of the law, indicating potential problems with the legislation in terms of international obligations and the country's constitution.