Living in the most powerful period of its history, Azerbaijan is achieving
success in all directions, from socio-economic rise to cultural renaissance, from
legal state building to democratization, from a new political system to efficient
reforms. Of course, the result of this series of achievements is the great Victory and
the guarantee of our territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Also, the new realities created by this Victory open up new opportunities and
define new goals for our country. As President Ilham Aliyev said, Azerbaijan is
entering a new historical period. In this responsible period, it has become
necessary for the structures that manage the country to renew the publics trust and
receive a trust mandate for the next term.
On February 7 of this year, our people gave a victory mandate to Mr. Ilham
Aliyev and once again announced the continuation of his victorious policy as their
destiny. The parliament, which is the legislative reference point for the large-scale
reforms carried out by the president, made an important contribution to this
process by deciding on early elections.
An exemplary election model has been formed in Azerbaijan
Excellent election experience has been formed in Azerbaijan. The election
tradition in our country is very rich. In this process, both the quantity and the
continuous improvement of the quality have formed the advanced election model
of Azerbaijan as a result.
Since the declaration of independence on October 18, 1991, a total of 25
votings, including 19 elections, have been held in the history of Azerbaijan. The
fact that 8 presidential, 6 parliamentary, 5 municipal elections, as well as 6
referendums have been held in the country in the last 33 years is a great political
indicator. In this context, 2024 is a special stage. Presidential elections were held at
the beginning of the year, parliamentary elections will be held next month, and at
the end of the year, our country will go to new municipal elections. Thus, during
this year, both the legislative body and the local self-government institution will be
re-formed through elections after the supreme authority receives a mandate of
trust.
When talking about the improved election model of Azerbaijan, it is
important to first look at the 25 votes in general. Unfortunately, the first
presidential election held in Azerbaijan on June 7, 1992 took place in anti-
democratic conditions, with total fraud and serious violations of the law. As a
result of this, the illegitimate presidential term lasted only one year, and our
citizens removed this person from office by referendum.
The first democratic elections in the history of independent Azerbaijan were
held on October 3, 1993. In the elections in which 3 candidates participated, the
absolute majority of our citizens showed their trust in Great Leader Heydar Aliyev.
On October 11, 1998, the winner of the next elections, in which 6 candidates
participated, became the National Leader.
Our people also showed great faith in Mr. Ilham Aliyev, whom the Great
Leader said, “I believe in him as much as myself”, and on October 15, 2003, they
trusted him with a big difference of votes among 8 candidates. Mr. Ilham Aliyev
was the absolute winner in the following elections – in the presidential elections
held on October 15, 2008 with the participation of 7 candidates, on October 9,
2013 with the participation of 10 candidates, and on April 11, 2018 with the
participation of 8 candidates. . Zafar elections, which took place on February 7 of
this year, were marked by the great trust of the citizens of the country, whose
territorial integrity and sovereignty are fully guaranteed, to the Victorious
Commander. Mr. Ilham Aliyev himself and his family used the right to vote in
Khankendi, which was freed.
The multi-million members of Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation
always feel pride that the candidacies of Great Leader Heydar Aliyev and Mr.
Ilham Aliyev were first nominated by this public organization in all presidential
elections. Our members have also shown high activity in the campaigning process
of these worthy candidates during the election process.
Ilham ALIYEV: “Let them come and learn our experience”
Elections to the legislative body are of special importance in the electoral
history of Azerbaijan. With the elections to the Milli Majlis held on November 7,
1995, the foundation for the formation of the traditions of democratic
parliamentarism was laid. 8 political parties and neutrals put forward their
candidates for the parliament, where 25 people will be elected by proportional
system and 100 people will be elected by majority system.
In the elections to the second convocation Milli Majlis held on November 5,
2000, with the participation of neutrals and representatives of 33 political parties, a
mixed election system was again applied. 26 of the newly elected deputies
represented neutral parties, and the rest represented 10 political parties.
According to the results of the 3rd convocation Milli Majlis elections held
on November 6, 2005, along with the candidates of 13 political parties, 46 people
were elected deputies. 33 political parties, 5 electoral blocs and neutrals
participated in the next election to the Milli Majlis held on November 7, 2010. In
addition to the candidates of 10 political parties, this time also neutral deputies got
wide representation in the parliament.
15 political parties and one electoral block participated in the 5th
convocation Milli Majlis elections held on November 1, 2015. 503 international
and more than 66,000 local observers from 40 organizations watched the elections,
in which 767 candidates fought, and the representatives of 12 political parties and
independents became the winners. 1325 candidates of 19 political parties and
neutrals took part in the 6th special convocation Milli Majlis elections held on
February 9, 2020. The parliament, represented by neutrals and 11 political parties,
also reflected the new political configuration.
In general, the composition of all 6 convocations of the Azerbaijan Milli
Majlis perfectly reflected the country's socio-political landscape and was formed
on the basis of the principle of multipartyism. Both neutrals and representatives of
opposition parties are represented in the leadership of the Milli Majlis. At the same
time, neutrals and representatives of opposition parties were elected as chairmen of
the committees of the Milli Majlis. The representation of numerous party
representatives in the leadership of the Milli Majlis and the leadership of the
parliamentary committees makes an important contribution to the strengthening of
the political system and the development of political relations on a sound basis.
In the process of state building, the creation and continuous improvement of
local self-government bodies is of particular importance. Our people formed this
institution – the municipality for the first time 25 years ago with their vote and
trust.
The first municipal elections in the Republic of Azerbaijan were held on
December 12, 1999. 20,456 members were elected to 2,667 municipalities in the
elections in which 35,600 candidates representing 24 political parties took part. In
the next municipal elections held on December 17, 2004, 38,041 candidates
participated in 2,731 municipalities, and 21,613 people won.
On the eve of the third municipal elections held in December 2009, changes
were made to territorial administrative units, some of the local self-government
structures were merged as a result of improvement and streamlining. 15,591 people
were elected members in the elections in which 30,975 candidates representing 18
political parties competed in 1,718 municipalities.
15,035 people were elected to 1,607 municipalities in the elections held on
December 23, 2014, with the participation of representatives of 30 political parties
and in which 37,077 people competed. 41,463 candidates participated in the
elections held on December 23, 2019, representing 13 political parties and neutrals.
As a result, 15156 members were elected for 1606 municipalities. The 6th
municipal elections will be held in December of this year.
Referendums are also very important in the electoral system of Azerbaijan.
Two months after our country declared its independence – on December 29, 1991, a
referendum was held on the adoption of the Constitutional Act of the Supreme
Soviet on the state independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and 99.8 percent
of the voters gave a positive opinion. On August 29, 1993, a national vote was held
on the issue of confidence in the president who refused to perform his duties, and
92.02 percent of the voters were against the confidence in the president.
In the referendum held on November 12, 1995, 92 percent of voters voted
for the adoption of the first Constitution of Azerbaijan. In the referendums held in
2002 and 2009, our citizens agreed to some additions and changes to the
Constitution.
The next referendum held on September 26, 2016, in addition to reflecting
the changes to the Constitution, showed the important support of the people for the
system reforms implemented by the President.
These elections held in our country for the last 31 years demonstrate
Azerbaijan's commitment to democratic values to the world and are considered as
an indicator of democratic development. This position of President Ilham Aliyev is
not only right, but it is also the unequivocal opinion of fair election experts: "No
matter what anyone says, what fabrications he puts forward, Azerbaijan is
following the path of democracy. We have a free election, a transparent
referendum. We can be an example for many countries, especially countries that
consider themselves the cradle of democracy. Let them come and learn our
experience."
The electoral system is continuously being improved
The election process is a dynamic and developing process. In this regard, the
measures taken in recent decades to improve the electoral system, including the
continuous improvement of legislation, served to further strengthen the Democratic
electoral environment formed in Azerbaijan. The formation of democratic election
traditions in modern Azerbaijan is reflected in the Constitution adopted by national
leader Heydar Aliyev in 1995.
Holding free, transparent elections, which are important signs of a
Democratic state, and the existence of Advanced election legislation that allows
this, are important conditions for building a legal state and civil society in our
country. Azerbaijan has a perfect legislative system for holding fair and transparent
elections. Suffrage, as is known, is determined by the Constitution. The chapter of
the Constitution entitled “basic human and civil rights and freedoms” states that
Azerbaijani citizens have the right to elect and be elected to state bodies, as well as
to participate in referendums. According to the Constitution, relations arising in the
field of suffrage are regulated by the Electoral Code.
The Electoral Code approved in May 2003 has been substantially amended
26 times so far. Amendments and additions to the code served to ensure free, fair
and objective elections and reliable provision of citizens ' suffrage. This Code
establishes the rules for holding presidential, parliamentary and municipal
elections, as well as referendums in the country. At the same time, the Election
Code reflects the principles of establishment and activity of the Central Election
Commission and election commissions. The electoral code creates a more robust
legal framework for conducting transparent and democratic elections, allowing the
improvement of all aspects of elections, including the registration of candidates
and the activities of election commissions.
The Electoral Code was developed in cooperation with leading international
organizations and reflects the principles and norms of modern democratic
elections. The Venice Commission of the Council of Europe, the OSCE Office for
democratic institutions and Human Rights and the foundation for international
electoral systems were closely cooperated with the document. Almost all of the
recommendations proposed by these organizations on the draft Electoral Code are
included in the Electoral Code. The Azerbaijani authorities attach great importance
to holding elections in the country that meet democratic and civil international
standards. In this direction, he closely cooperates with influential international
organizations. Relevant invitation letters are sent to ensure the participation of
international observers in the elections. The statements of international observers
note that the election process was successful, free, fair, transparent, Democratic,
objective and legitimate, and the election procedures were carried out
professionally on the eve of the elections and on the election day. It is stated that
the elections are held in a calm, peaceful and orderly manner throughout the
country, as well as in accordance with international standards and the requirements
of the Electoral Code. The preparation of the Central Election Commission for the
election process is assessed as effective. It is emphasized that the installation of
webcams in polling stations is a commendable development.
Improving the electoral system involves not only the legislative sphere.
Creative and landscaping work, which has been gaining momentum in Azerbaijan
in recent years, has an important impact on the creation of more modern working
conditions for the comfortable activities of election commissions. Constituency
and precinct election commissions are provided with administrative buildings at
the level of the most modern requirements, major repairs are carried out.
With great care of President Ilham Aliyev, the Central Election Commission
operates in a modern, modern building. Such favorable conditions have opened up
great opportunities for a more efficient organization of the activities of this
organization. At the opening of the new CEC building, President Ilham Aliyev
rightly noted: "there is already a lot of experience in holding elections in
Azerbaijan, and we are learning and applying the most advanced experience in
Azerbaijan. All works are built in accordance with international standards. The
process of holding elections in Azerbaijan is improving every year, transparency is
fully ensured, and people freely and freely express their will.”
Among the measures taken to improve the electoral system, awareness-
raising works with voters, preparation of samples of documents related to Election
rights, application of new methods related to the specification of voter lists and
other similar works are of great importance. Modern information technologies are
also used to ensure a democratic atmosphere and transparency in the developing
electoral system of Azerbaijan. Thus, for the first time in the region, it was in
Azerbaijan that a system of direct monitoring of the election progress via the
internet was created. Now webcams are installed in 1000 points. “Exit poll” is also
considered an important research tool in terms of ensuring democracy and
transparency in elections. It allows you to promptly and objectively determine who
wins, thereby controlling the election campaign. This system is also successfully
implemented in our country. "Exit-poll" provides an opportunity to obtain
preliminary results before the CEC officially announces the results, carries out
public control over the voting results. It is commendable that the results of “exit
polls”always coincide with the indicators of the Central Election Commission.
This once again clearly demonstrates that the elections are held in accordance with
democratic requirements. These initiatives of the Azerbaijani authorities to ensure
greater publicity and high sensitivity to innovations are highly appreciated on an
international scale.
New parliamentary elections will be another triumph of democracy
On June 28, President of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on the
dissolution of the Milli Majlis of the sixth convocation and the appointment of
early elections to the Milli Majlis for September 1. In accordance with the
requirements of the Electoral Code, a large-scale activity has been launched to
ensure the holding of parliamentary elections in an organized and free manner.
The strong socio-political stability and National Development established in
the Republic allow comprehensive preparation and holding of elections at a high
level. The strong political will of the president, as well as the great attention and
care of election commissions for improving working conditions and strengthening
their material and technical base are important factors contributing to the fair and
transparent conduct of elections. In more than 125 polling stations in 6400
constituencies, all necessary conditions have been created for voting of 6 million
334 thousand 444 voters.
Relevant state structures have already launched a large-scale campaign to
organize elections at a high level, conduct them freely and fairly, as well as to
educate and inform election subjects of various status. After the elections were
appointed, the CEC as the body responsible for this process began to work for a
new stage and prepared an action plan and established their work in accordance
with the calendar plan. CEC conducts informative seminars, conferences, events
for constituency and precinct election commissions members, and all necessary
preparations for comprehensive provision of the election process are carried out
with accuracy. It is gratifying that if on February 7 of this year the presidential
elections were held for the first time in the history of independent Azerbaijan
throughout the country, citizens living in the liberated regions will vote for the first
time in the parliamentary elections. For this purpose, 34 polling stations have been
established in Karabakh and East Zangezur. These polling stations were organized
at the highest level, comprehensive conditions and wide opportunities were
created.
One of the factors ensuring the democratization of the election process is the
conditions created for Media employees. Azerbaijan is the only country where
representatives of media entities do not receive permission from any organization
and freely participate in the election coverage process. However, there is also a
solid guarantee for the safe and unhindered activities of the institutions and persons
providing for the elections, based on the r
equirements of the law. Thus, those who create obstacles to the election process, as
well as those who interfere in the work of election commissions, are subject to
criminal liability and administrative responsibility in accordance with the Criminal
Code. The VII vote separates us from the elections to the Milli Majlis for a full 1
month. The election process is entering its most responsible and hot stage. The
process of submitting election documents necessary for the registration of the
candidate to the District Election Commission ends tomorrow.
According to the latest official information, more than 1,200 of those
nominated for deputies received signature sheets, and about 660 people returned
signature sheets. So far, the number of registered candidates reaches 390 people. In
the coming days, the final indicator of candidates for deputies will be known.
However, it is already known that along with numerous independent
candidates, 26 political parties operating in the country will take part in the
elections with their representatives. This clearly shows the great public interest in
the elections, political organization and the possibility of democratic competition.
One of the important stages of the election process is the campaign of
candidates. According to the legislation, this process begins 23 days before the
voting day and stops 24 hours before the start of the voting. The promotion of
candidates is carried out on the basis of the requirements of the legislation through
television, radio, press and mass events. In order to conduct pre-election campaign,
political parties, political party blocs with registered candidates in more than 60
single-mandate constituencies across the country will be allocated free airtime and
space for publication in public television and Radio Broadcasting Company and
“Azerbaijan”, “Khalg gazeti”, “Respublika”, “Bakinski rabochi” newspapers. At
the same time, open and closed places will be determined in cities and regions for
meetings in 125 constituencies within the framework of candidates ' campaign
events.
In order to ensure transparency in the elections, the CEC has created
comprehensive conditions for both local and international observers to monitor the
election process. At present, the process of registering observers both in the CEC
and in the relevant Constituency Election Commissions, as well as organizations
wishing to conduct an “exit poll” continues.
Foreign organizations and international observers are expected to be of great
interest in the parliamentary elections this time as well. According to the
requirements of the Electoral Code, to invite international observers, the Milli
Majlis, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Central Election Commission are
already sending invitations to parliamentary delegations, Supreme observers and
bodies cooperating on the election. This time too, it is necessary for international
observers to cover a wide geography.
"Our main intention is that the Azerbaijani people freely use their suffrage,
vote for the candidate they like, thus expressing their opinion and their political
will. In general, we have achieved this. This is the main issue for US” – based on
this position of President Ilham Aliyev, we can say with full confidence that
ensuring the right to elect and be elected is the priority of the authorities in
Azerbaijan and the main goal of the management philosophy. The new
parliamentary elections will also be another triumph of democracy in Azerbaijan.
Sattar MOHBALIYEV,
Chairman of Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation
” Azerbaijan” newspaper
01.08.2024