A joint observation mission from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) stated that Azerbaijan’s recent parliamentary elections on September 1 did not provide voters with real political choices. The elections were held in a legal framework that excessively restricted fundamental freedoms and the media, even though they were well organized. The election legislation has mostly stayed the same since the last parliamentary elections, and longstanding recommendations have gone unaddressed. The candidate registration process was problematic, with burdensome requirements, inconsistent application of procedures, and instances of candidates withdrawing due to intimidation. Additionally, new requirements for political parties added further restrictions to their registration process.
“These elections took place in a restrictive political and legal environment, the consequence of which was a lack of political pluralism coupled with the subdued and low-key campaign, all of which undermined the electoral process,” said Michael Creed, Special Co-ordinator and leader of the OSCE short-term observers. “Furthermore, the dominance of ruling party affiliates within election commissions, alongside restrictions on access for independent domestic observers, run contrary to the principles of transparency and inclusivity, which are at the heart of democratic elections.”
Yesterday’s elections had 6.4 million registered voters, about 1.2 million fewer than eligible voters, raising concerns about the voter register’s accuracy. The majority party’s control over the election administration significantly impacted its impartiality. While the voting processes were orderly, serious irregularities during vote counting raised concerns about the process’s integrity. The campaign was barely visible, and reports of voter intimidation and limited independent journalism were concerning. The government’s intention to monitor the internet further subdued political debate.
“In these elections, the lack of genuine choice and engagement that led to pervasive political apathy among the population was quite evident,“ said Lucie Potůčková, Head of the OSCE PA delegation. “Equally, the alarming trends of ongoing restrictions on media outlets and increased pressure on non-governmental organizations, including arbitrary arrests, decisively stifle political discourse. Without substantial reforms and change, these issues will continue to undermine democracy and the rule of law in the country.”
The law allows for citizen and international election observers. However, most citizen observers were nominated by the ruling party and its affiliated candidates, raising concerns about the ability of independent observers to access the election process. Additionally, restrictive legal provisions prevented well-known citizen election observer groups from registering and receiving funding. Some prominent members of these groups are also under arrest or detention.
“There was regrettably no genuine political pluralism in these elections, with numerous candidates who wished to participate facing serious obstacles, election commissions that lacked impartiality, and restrictions that made the work of many citizen observers impossible,“ said Ditmir Bushati, Head of ODIHR’s election observation mission. “Despite the efficiency of the process, these conditions did not allow elections to be held in line with democratic standards. We stand ready to support the authorities in implementing our longstanding recommendations to improve the overall process for the good of all citizens.”
Women made up 30% of all registered candidates in these elections, a significant increase from 21% in the previous elections. They were well represented in lower-level election administration but not in the Central Election Commission. Women remain underrepresented in elected and appointed positions, with no affirmative measures in place to increase their political involvement. The international election observation mission to the early parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan included 279 observers from 34 countries, consisting of 225 ODIHR-deployed experts and 54 from the OSCE PA.
