'The authorities are trying to block parties that could cause problems in the elections'

In a recent turn of events, Azerbaijan's political arena has witnessed a flurry of party re-registrations, igniting debates about the country's commitment to a diverse and competitive multi-party system. The Ministry of Justice recently added two parties, The National Independence (AMIP) and UMID parties, to the list of re-registered political entities, following the registration of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (YAP) in July. This marks the culmination of a series of registration and re-registration activities involving numerous political factions.

Out of the 27 political parties that sought re-registration, a total of six have successfully been registered, according to official records. The process was triggered by the enactment of the new law "On political parties" earlier this year, which introduced changes to party registration requirements, including raising the minimum number of signatures needed for registration from 1,000 to 5,000. This change led 31 parties to petition the Ministry of Justice for the cancellation of the new law, citing concerns about its stringent provisions.

The process, however, has not been without its challenges. Inaccuracies in the signatures of 26 parties, including some from the YAP, initially led to the rejection of their documents. Subsequently, five of these parties were able to overcome these hurdles and secure registration, while the fate of 21 others hangs in the balance as they await the Ministry of Justice's decision.

Notably, some opposition parties remain skeptical of the re-registration process. These parties, which submitted their re-appeals earlier than some of the successfully registered entities, suspect political motivations behind the government's reluctance to grant them registration. This has fueled claims that the process is being strategically managed by the authorities.

Arif Hajili, the head of the Musavat party, expressed concern in an interview with Radio Azadlig about the intricate registration procedures, asserting that the amendments to the law were intentionally designed to hinder the activities of political parties. He questioned the sequencing of registrations, hinting that answers would emerge in the coming days. Ayaz Maharramli, Deputy Chairman of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), criticized the new law as regressive and contrary to international conventions, arguing that the government's delay in responding to their party's appeal could be linked to political considerations.

Hikmet Babaoglu, MP, member of the Board of YAP in a comment for Turan stressed the legality of their registration, attributing it to the party's stature as the largest political entity in Azerbaijan. He dismissed claims of political manipulation and asserted that the Ministry of Justice's decisions would be fair and objective.

Experts and political commentators are divided on the implications of these developments for Azerbaijan's political landscape. Nasimi Mammadli, a prominent political commentator, in an interview with Radio Azadlig, criticized the re-registration process for its potential to stifle a genuine multi-party system. Mammadli argued that the authorities are attempting to exert control over opposition parties that could pose challenges in upcoming elections, thereby narrowing the space for political expression and activism.

The new law "On political parties," enacted last year, has come under scrutiny from the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe, which voiced critical opinions about the amendments introduced in the legislation. As the re-registration process continues to unfold, the intricate interplay between political parties, the government, and the evolving legal framework will continue to shape the trajectory of Azerbaijan's political landscape.