News
Azerbaijan’s coming Presidential election must demonstrate the country’s democratic commitment, says PACE President in Baku (2008)
Strasbourg, 03.07.2008 – October’s Presidential election in Azerbaijan must demonstrate the country’s commitment to democratic reforms, according to Lluís Maria de Puig, the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), speaking at the end of an official visit to the country (1-3 July 2008).
Azerbaijan: Presidential candidates can be nominated until late August, Today.az (2008)
Presidential candidates can be nominated until late August, CEC Chairman Mazahir Panakhov said, APA reports.
Azerbaijan: Head of OSCE Baku office: "500 international representatives will monitor presidential elections this year, Today.az (2008)
An information session on facts of interference with the voting process was organized in Shirvan by the OSCE Baku office, the Central Election Commission and the OIC presidential administration. Head of the OSCE Baku office Jose Luis Guerrero Ansola noted that 500 international observers will monitor elections this year.
Azerbaijan: Officials plan for "problem-free" Presidential election , EurasiaNet (2008)
In looking ahead to a presidential election in Azerbaijan later this year, officials are emphasizing a sense of calm and continuity, and opposition leaders are divided among themselves. As a result, campaign season has been almost eerily quiet so far.
Azerbaijan: Party of Democratic Reforms to hold session in Baku, Today.az (2008)
The session of the Party of Democratic Reforms, functioning in Azerbaijan, will be held on July 19, said spokesman for the party Ulkar Abdullayeva. One of the discussed questions will be the issue of the form of the party's participation in the upcoming presidential elections.
Azerbaijan: Opposition Party leader Isa Qambar meets with representatives of German Marshall Fund, Today.az (2008)
Musavat opposition leader Isa Qambar met with representatives of German Marshall Fund. The sides came to an agreement about the need for cooperation between Musavat and GMF.
Azerbaijan: For one election monitoring group, Seeing is Believing, Eurasianet (2008)
A recent court decision to cancel the registration of Azerbaijan’s largest election observation group has sparked concerns about the ability of non-governmental organizations to monitor the country’s upcoming October 15 presidential vote. On May 14, a Baku district court upheld an earlier decision by the Ministry of Justice to revoke the registration of the Election Monitoring Center (EMC), a non-partisan domestic monitoring organization. Minor technical issues, including inconsistent addresses, were the cited cause.
Head of Azerbaijan's Central Election Commission meets with Venice Commission secretary, Today.az (2008)
Chairman of Azerbaijan's Central Election Commission Mazahir Panakhov met today with secretary of the CE Venice Commission Gianni Bukikkio and commission expert Sergey Kuznetsov, reports the press service for the Central Election commission.
Azerbaijan Social-Democratic Party planning to hold plenum to define candidate for presidency, Today.az (2008)
Azerbaijan's Social-Democratic Party is planning to hold a plenum in late July, said party co-chairman Araz Alizade. He noted that during the plenum the party will discuss the party candidacy for presidency.
Azerbaijan: Opposition mulls presidential election boycott, EurasiaNet (2008)
Azerbaijani opposition leaders are condemning recent election code amendments, which they claim will scuttle any hopes for a free-and-fair vote in the upcoming October 15 presidential election. At the same time, they remain divided over the best way to respond.
Azerbaijan: Parliament of Azerbaijan passed changes to election law (2008)
On 2nd June the Parliament of Azerbaijan adopted changes to Election Code. The amended draft took into account the remarks made by a representative of the Azerbaijani presidential administration. Most of the recommendations of the Venice Commission were ignored.
Safa Mirzayev: "Introduction of amendments to the Election Code at the spring session of Parliament is not ruled out ", Today.Az (2008)
Introduction of amendments to the Election Code and the law on freedom of assembly of Azerbaijan is not ruled out during the spring session of the Azerbaijani Parliament, according to Safa Mirzayev, head of the Parliament Office.
Azerbaijan's first lady declared most active deputy protecting rights of her voters, Today.Az (2008)
This article is about that the president of Heydar Aliyev's foundation, deputy Mehriban Aliyeva was declared the most active deputy, who protects the rights of her voters, according to the results.
Politicians gear up for next year's presidential election, Eurasianet.org (2007)
An article about the next year's presidential elections in Azerbaijan.
Financial Times: "Few doubt that Ilham Aliyev, the current president of Azerbaijan, will win a second term in office at a general election this October", Today.Az (2008)
The British Financial Times newspaper published a series of articles on Azerbaijan on January 25.
Venice Commission’s Opinion on Public Distrust on Election Commissions is Biased: Azerbaijani Central Election Commission, Trend News (2008)
Azerbaijan, Baku, 1 July / corr. Trend News I.Alizade / The Azerbaijani Central Election Commission (CEC) regarded the Council of Europe (CE) Venice Commission’s opinion on public distrust to the election commission of the country as biased.
Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan Prepared for Discussions to Simplify Content of Election Code, Trend News (2008)
Azerbaijan, Baku, 15 July/ TrendNews, corr E. Babayev/ The Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan (CEC) is ready to hold discussions with the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe to shorten and simplify the text of the Election Code. “I assess shortening of the text of the Election Code positively,” Mazahir Panahov, CEC chairman said to journalists on 15 July.
Azerbaijan, Controversial constitutional referendum passed, European Forum, 2009
On 18 March, a constitutional referendum was held in Azerbaijan. A total fo 41 amendments to 29 articles have been made to the Constitution, including article 101 (V), which used to state that a President can only be elected for consecutive terms. Western critics say that the referendum is a real challenge to the democratisation process of the country.
Azerbaijani Parliament Approves Referendum On Presidential Term Limit, RFE/RL (2008)
Azerbaijan's parliament has voted overwhelmingly to hold a referendum early next year to remove the limit on presidential terms, potentially extending four decades of dynastic rule in the oil-rich state.
Non-Participation of Some Oppositional Parties Cannot Hurt Legitimacy of Elections: CEC Chairman, Trend News (2008)
Azerbaijan, Baku, 15 July / Trend News / E.Babayev / The Azerbaijani Central Elections Commission (CEC) stated that non-participation of some oppositional parties in the elections cannot damage the legitimacy of the process.
Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan Increases Number of Training Group Members, Trend News (2008)
The number of the members of the training group at the Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan (CEC) is being further increased. “A secretariat has been set up in the district election commissions recently and workers employed there will become involved in the training groups as a result of which the members of the training group will reach about 267,” Mazahir Panahov, CEC chairman said in the training organized by the Central Election Commission and Venice Commission of the Council of Europe.
Azerbaijan: results of opinion poll on upcoming presidential elections, ACSDA (2008)
The Azerbaijani ELS Independent Investigation Centre publicized results of opinion poll held amongst 6,000 people in the first half of August in connection with the presidential elections. A total of 78.3% of people participating in this opinion poll supported Ilham Aliyev, the incumbent.
Venice Commission of Council of Europe Calls on Azerbaijani Opposition to Take Part in Presidential Elections, Trend News (2008)
he Council of Europe called on the Azerbaijani opposition to take part in the presidential elections. “There are certain rules of political games all over the world and every political power must take part in the voting,” Gianni Buquicchio, Secretary of the Venice Commission said to media in Baku on 15 July.
Azerbaijan: Central Electoral Commission announced the Election Day (2008)
Central Election Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan (CEC) conducted its session headed by Mr. Mazahir Panahov on July 28, 2008. CEC Chairman reported on the activities carried out by the Commission up to date and declared 15 October 2008 as the date of Presidential Elections.
President of Azerbaijan to be nominated as official candidate for presidency, Today.az (2008)
The fourth session of the ruling party Yeni Azerbaijan nominated the incumbent president and party chairman Ilham Aliyev as a candidate for presidency.
ODIHR begins monitoring of Azerbaijan's Presidential Elections, OSCE-ODIHR(2008)
Following an invitation from Azerbaijan's Government, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) this week deployed an election observation mission to observe the 15 October presidential election in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan: presidential poll marked considerable progress, but did not meet all election commitments, OSCE/ODIHR (2008)
Presidential election in Azerbaijan marked considerable progress, but did not meet all of the country's international commitments, observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and the European Parliament (EP) concluded in a joint statement published on 16 October 2008.
16 political parties nominate for municipal elections in Azerbaijan: CEC, 2009 (Trend.az)
16 political parties nominated for municipal elections in Azerbaijan. Municipal elections in Azerbaijan will be held on December 23. Of the candidates, 7,057 people are independent, others represent 28 political parties. 17 political parties officially joined the election.
Lack of popular support is key reason for split within Azerbaijan’s opposition, 2009, (Today.az)
"Azerbaijani opposition parties’ establishing in a single bloc under a slogan of unification and subsequent withdrawals from it and splits have become common,” member of Azerbaijani parliament from the ruling New Azerbaijan Party and NAP Deputy executive Secretary Mubariz Gurbanli said commenting on a recent split inside the Azerbaijan opposition.
Municipal Elections In Azerbaijan Will Be Held On December 23, 2009 (Azerireport)
Azerbaijan’s next municipal elections are scheduled for December 23, 2009. This decision was adopted by the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan on October 7... Currently, municipalities have very little power. All questions are resolved by the executive local authorities appointed by the central government.
Azerbaijan will not cancell Parliamentary Elections, 2009 (Today.az)
"Azerbaijan has money to hold elections, moreover, we can offer assistance to other states to hold elections,” Presidential Administration Socio-Political Department Chief Ali Hasanov said while commenting on MP Aydin Hasanov’s proposal to postpone the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan: Council of Europe mission to observe municipal elections, 2009 (APA)
Mission of the Council of Europe Congress of Regional and Local Authorities will observe municipal elections in Azerbaijan on December 23, 2009. It would be small and short-term mission, which would arrive in Azerbaijan few days before the elections and observe the voting process.
Azerbaijan: OSCE holds information session on non-interference in electoral process, 2009 (Today.az)
OSCE Office in Baku organized information session on non-interference in electoral process in Ganja. Head of the OSCE Office in Baku Ambassador Ali Bilge Cankorel said the OSCE wouldn’t observe the municipal elections on December 23.
Azerbaijan: Problems related to residence registration of voters need to be addressed, 2009 (Azerbaijan Today)
"Registering citizens is a common problem in all elections in Azerbaijan. A voter must live at least 6 months in this or that area in order to be included in voters' list. It is impossible to create a permanent or temporary living database for citizens in Azerbaijan, which has 4.5 million voters," said Shahin Aliyev, the Head of the Legislation and Legal Examination Department of the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration, said.
Campaigning Begins For Azerbaijan's Municipal Elections, RFL/RL (2009)
This article reports that campaigning has begun for Azerbaijani Municipal elections, to be held on 23 December, 2009. The majority of registered candidates represent the ruling party - "Yeni Azerbaijan". Opposition candidates state that they are being pressured by local police.
Azerbaijan: Proposal to cancel 2010 parliamentary elections hits road block, EurasiaNet (2009)
The article writes about the proposal of canceling 2010 parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan, which was brought up by some politicians of the governing party in November 2009. The author of the initiative suggested to postpone elections "until Karabagh problem is solved", and explained that postponing elections will allow to save money to increase pensions. Later, some governing party members explained this as a joke, but opposition is very concerned about such developments, explaining that a few years ago postponing presidential elections seemed a joke, too but it is a reality now.
Fraud, Violations Observed In Azerbaijani Local Elections, RFE/RL (2009)
The article reports about massive fraud and violations in local elections in Azerbaijan, held on 23 December 2009. More than 31000 candidates representing 16 political parties contested for being elected as city council members in 1718 municipalities. Ballot box stuffing, multicple voting, violation of a big number of election law requirements were reported.
One-third of voters take part in Azerbaijan municipal elections, ITAR-TASS (2009)
ITAR-TASS reports that about 32% of voters have participated in December 23 local elections in Azerbaijan. Preliminary results will be announced by 29 December, while final results will be clear in mid-January 2010.
Azerbaijani Ruling Party Welcomes 500,000th Member, RFE/RL (2010)
The article writes that ruling Yeni Azerbaijan Party (YAP) has registered its 500,000th member, and claims it now has more members than the Communist Party had in Azerbaijan during the Soviet era.
Azerbaijani Police Disperse Rally, Detain Activists, RFE/RL (2010)
The article writes that Azerbaijani police have broken up an opposition rally against restrictions on freedom of assembly in the capital city and briefly detained demonstrators. Baku deputy police chief said "several people" were arrested due to "disobedience toward police." Opposition Musavat Party officials said more than 30 people were detained.
Azerbaijani Youth Leader Arrested, Whereabouts Unknown, RFE/RL (2010)
The article reports that chairman of the opposition Musavat Party's youth wing has been arrested and sentenced to 10 days in jail, for creating "social disorder." The Interior Minister Spokesman did not specified how or when Abbasli committed the crime. Abbasli's mothersays her son's detention might be connected with youth protests marking the first anniversary of a shooting spree at Azerbaijan's State Oil Academy that was violently dispersed by police.
Azerbaijani opposition plans mass action of protest on July 3, Azeri Report (2010)
This article discusses the opposition parties' decision to hold mass protests in Azerbaijan. The Musavat and Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan, the major opposition parties, will protest on July 3, asking for respect of their freedom of assembly. The opposition has not been able to hold a single authorized rally for months.
Azerbaijan's Islamic Party to participate in parliamentary elections, News.az (2010)
This article comments the Islamic Party's decision to run in the parliamentary elections scheduled for this year in Azerbaijan. The party's leadership declared that this decision is important for the democratization of the country, and the protection of the national and moral values.
Azerbaijani party intensifies preparations for parliamentary elections, News.Az (2010)
This article comments the opposition Party of National Independence of Azerbaijan's decision to start the preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections. Elections in Azerbaijan will be held on November 4.
Azerbaijani officials get ready for parliamentary elections, Trend.az (2010)
Azerbaijani officials were instructed to get ready for parliamentary elections, scheduled for November 2010. They have been instructed by the president to create equal conditions for all candidates.
CEC: Azerbaijan cannot simplify registration for electoral candidates, Trend.az (2010)
The article informs that in response to the OSCE-Baku statement, that procedures of candidate registration should be simplified in Azerbaijan, the CEC Chairman claims this is impossible to do in the current legal framework.
Arzerbaijan - OSCE Office in Baku holds media roundtable discussion on covering elections, ISRIA (2010)
This article reports on the preparations for the elections in Azerbaijan. The OSCE Office in Baku organized a round-table discussion on the role of media in elections. This is the third of a series of round-table discussions to implement the recommendations of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. The Central Election Commission reaffirmed its commitment to involve journalists in all phases of the electoral process.
Azerbaijan: CEC starts the courses for the members of lower election commissions, CEC Press Service (2010)
The article reports that Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan has conducted professional development courses on election right for the chairpersons of Constituency Election Commissions.
Jailed journalist cannot run for Azerbaijani parliament, News.az (2010)
The article reports that Constitutional Court of Azerbaijan has not allowed imprisoned editor Eynulla Fatullayev to run for parliamentary election this fall. Fatullayev's attorney argues that court verdicts against Fatullayev had been overturned by the European Court of Human Rights, while a sentence imposed for the possession of drugs had yet to begin, so technically he was eligible to stand.
EU won’t send parliamentary election observers to Azerbaijan, Panarmenian.net (2010)
The article reports that about 450 observers, among them 45 long-term, will observe parliametnary elections in Azerbaijan in November 2010. EU will not send observers.
Azerbaijan kicks off parliamentary elections, Trend.az (2010)
The article informs that on September 3 Azerbaijani president signed a decree, according to which parliamentary elections in the country will be held on November 7, 2010.
Azerbaijan establishes new opposition bloc, Trend.az (2010)
The article reports that two Azerbaijani parties, Civil Solidarity Party and Democratic Reforms Party, have signed an agreement about establishing "Democracy" bloc, which will participate in parliamentary elections this fall.
CE attaches special importance to parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan, News.az (2010)
The article reports about activities of the Council of Europe towards parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan in November. The CE is planning to organize trainings and workshops for court officials which will cover cover submission and reviewing the appeals, as well as trainings for journalists which will focus on coverage of elections.
OSCE/ODIHR deploys mission to observe parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan, OSCE/ODIHR (2010)
The press release reports about the opening of election observation mission for the 10 October parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan. The mission comprises 17 experts based in Bishkek and 22 long-term observers, who will be deployed throughout the country on 10 September. In addition, ODIHR will request 300 short-term observers from OSCE participating States to be deployed immediately prior to election day.
Nomination of candidates for single-mandate constituencies starts in Azerbaijan, APA (2010)
Teh article informs that nomination of the candidates for single-mandate constituencies has started in Azerbaijan. The time allocated for the submission of the necessary documents and initial financial report is untill 18.00 October 8. The pre-election campaign will start on October 15 and end at 8.00 November 6.
CEC head: More than 43 candidates apply to participate in Azerbaijani parliamentary elections, Trend.az (2010)
This article reports on the preparations for the November parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan. The Central Elections Commission chairman, Mazahir Panahov, announced that 43 people presented the appeals for their candidacies. Elections will be on November 7.
Azerbaijan: 172 people apply to CEC for holding observation mission, News.az (2010)
This article reports on the OSCE election observation mission to Azerbaijan. The Central Election Commission and the OSCE will launch the training of heads of executive powers and municipality representatives on conduction of November 7 Parliamentary elections. 172 have applied for the training sessions.
Azerbaijan: over 400 parliamentary candidates seek registration so far, News.az (2010)
The artcile informs that a total of 404 people have applied to the Central Election Commission to begin the process to register as parliamentary candidates schedules in November 2010. The deadline for candidate registration is Ocrttober 18.
New Azerbaijan Party to win parliamentary elections, MP, News.az (2010)
The article writes about the ambition of ruling New Azerbaijan party to win even more seats in the result of upcoming parlimentary elections, November 2010. Currently, the ruling party has 114 among 125 seats in the legislature.
Azerbaijan: Political competition in focus as OSCE monitors begin work, News.az (2010)
The article reports about opening of OSCE/ODIHR electio observation mission in Baku, to observe upcoming parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan. The head of the mission has stated that the mission is paying particular attention to observing whether there are equal opportunities in political competition and whether voters are able to make an informed choice between distinct alternatives.
Azerbaijan’s Two Largest Opposition Parties Consider Post-Election Union, EurasiaNet (2010)
The article informs that Azerbaijan’s two largest opposition parties, the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan and the Musavat Party, are exploring the possibility of a merger after the country’s November 7 parliamentary elections. Most political experts in Baku expect the governing Yeni Azerbaijan Party to triumph handily in the upcoming vote.
Azerbaijan has 4.8 million registered voters, News.az (2010)
The article reports that the Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan has announced the number of voters in the country 4,846,000.
Azerbaijan: Council of Europe training for election officials, News.Az (2010)
This article reports on the training organized by the Council of Europe's Venice Commission and the Central Election Commission for electoral officials. The five-days session will train 250 people from constituency election commissions, who will work for the November 7 elections.
Azerbaijan: Opposition 'to be removed' from political arena, News.az (2010)
The article writes that after November 7 parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan, the opposition will be further weakened and may soon disappear from the political arena.
Observation of parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan, OSCE/ODIHR (2010)
The official website of ISCE/ODIHR provides information about the international election observation mission in Azerbaijan, which will observe and assess the November 7 parliamentary elections.
Azerbaijan: 39 from 734 nominated people withdrew their candidacy, APA (2010)
The article informs about the situation of candidate registration in Azerbaijan. Parliamentary elections are scheduled for 7 November 2010.
Azerbaijan: Should the Learned be Elected in Baku?, EurasiaNet (2010)
The article writes that about two weeks before parliamentary elections, Azerbaijan's governing party Yeni Azerbaijan has made its candidates’ educational credentials a big selling point with voters. Education experts and activists report that a large number of MPs are also holding other full time jobs which is clearly prohibited by law.
Azerbaijan's Main Opposition Bloc Refuses To Meet With PACE Mission, RFE/RL (2010)
The article reports that opposition leaders from Azerbaijan's Popular Front/Musavat election bloc have refused to meet with a delegation of Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) observers for next month's parliamentary elections. Musavat leaders accuse PACE for not being objective in assessing the previous elections in the country.
U.S. observers to monitor parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan, Trend News Agency (2010)
This article reports on the OSCE/ODIHR mission ready to monitor elections in Azerbaijan. The US embassy stated that 31 embassy representatives will also monitor the elections in different regions. Parliamentary elections are scheduled for November 7, and 5 million registered voters will cast their ballots.
40 parties in the run for 125 Azerbaijan National Assembly seats, The Daily Times (2010)
This article reports on the preparations for the November 7 parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan. More than 40 political parties will be competing for the 125-seat National Assembly. The Central Election Commission stated that everything is ready to to guarantee fair end free elections.
Six things you need to know about Azerbaijan's elections, RFE/RL (2010)
This article reports on the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan. On November 7, the country will hold its fourth poll since its independence. This article discusses the main issues that emerged from the electoral process.
Azerbaijani ruling party confident in election victory, Trend News Agency (2010)
This article reports on the elections in Azerbaijan. The ruling party deputy chairman, the New Azerbaijan Party (NAP), stated he is sure about their victory in the elections. In the November 7 elections, 690 candidates competed for the seats in the Parliament.
Aliyev loyalists sweep the board in Azerbaijan vote, Reuters (2010)
This article reports on the preliminary results for the parliamentary elections held on Sunday in Azerbaijan. Apparently, the leading opposition party, Musavat, did not win any seat in the parliament, while the ruling New Azerbaijan Party won 70 seats out of 125. Government-supporting small parties and "independents" won the rest of the seats at stake, making the "Hope" party the only opposition force in the assembly (one seat).
Azeri ruling party wins poll marred by fraud claims, Reuters (2010)
This article reports on the vote counting operations and the preliminary results in Azerbaijan. A Western diplomat reported serious irregularities during the voting operations, including vote stuffing and intimidation. Monitors from the OSCE will released their initial assessment on Monday.
Council of Europe makes assessment on parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan, Trend News Agency (2010)
This article reports on preliminary assessment on the November 7 elections release by the Council of Europe. The observers report that the Central Election Commission administered well the technical aspects of the electoral process, but expressed their concerns on other issues: limitations of media and assembly freedom and misdoings in the candidate registration process.
Azerbaijan: Parliamentary Elections Yield a Lone Opposition Voice, EurasiaNet (2010)
The article writes about the results of November 7 parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan, mentioning that only one clear opposition candidate has managed to enter the parliament. According to independent election monitors, numerous irregularities have been observed during the voting.
ODIHR On Azerbaijan Vote: 'It Is Not Part Of Our Mandate To Say There Is Fraud', RFE/RL (2010)
This is an interview of RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service with Audrey Glover, head of the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Election Observation Mission in Baku. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe said "the country needs to do much more to make progress in developing a truly pluralist democracy."
Azerbaijani CEC considers appeals in connection with parliamentary elections
This article reports on the electoral disputes following the November 7 parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani Central Election Commission received 31 appeals, and decided to consider 26 of them.
Azerbaijan Rejects International Criticism Of Elections, RFE/RL (2010)
This article reports on the reaction of the government to the international criticism towards the elections in Azerbaijan. The Foreign Ministry expressed dissatisfaction with the criticism, and that the international mission's report points at several shortcomings, but praises the general management and fairness of the poll. The international observers, however, expressed particular concern about restrictions of fundamental freedoms, media bias and serious violations on election day.
Azerbaijani election results sent to constitutional court, RFE/RL (2010)
This article reports on the final results of the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan. The Central Election Commission has approved the final results and sent them to the Constitutional Court for approval. Results from 28 polling stations were considered invalid, but according to the commission this did not change the general outcome. On November 7, the ruling Yeni Azerbaycan Party won 72 seats in the parliament, while independent candidates gained 41 and opposition parties received 12. The opposition Musavat party and the Azerbaijan Popular Front refused to recognize the results.
Azerbaijan CEC: Election results in 46 polling stations invalid, Trend.Az (2010)
This article reports on the approval of the final results by the Central Election Commission in Azerbaijan. The CEC annulled the results of 46 polling stations in 20 different constituencies, but declared that this did not affect the final results of the November parliamentary elections. A spokesperson stated that significant improvements were introduced since the last elections, and that new reforms will be introduced to improve the process even further.
Azerbaijan: Constitutional Court postpones discussions on results of parliamentary elections, News.az (2010)
The article reports about hearings on electoral disputes in the Constitutional Court of Azerbaijan. The discussion on election results was postponed until 29 November, 2010.
Azerbaijan: Court confirms parliamentary election results, News.az (2010)
The article informs that Azerbaijan's constitutional court confirmed the results of November 7 Parliamentary Elections in its session of 29 November. Out of 59 complaints 1 had been returned and 58 rejected.
PACE January session to discuss parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan, News.az (2010)
The article reports that the issue on parliamentary elections of Azerbaijan (November 2010) has been included in the agenda of January session of the PACE and its Monitoring Committee.
Azerbaijani Ruling Party Claims Increase In 'Young' Members, RFE/RL (2011)
Azerbaijan's Ruling Party Yeni Azerbaijan claims an increase in youth members of the party in 2010. The party claims to have 500.000 members in a country of 9.9 million populations, roughly 25% of which are under 18. Several state-sector employees have complained to RFE/RL that they were pressured to join the ruling party and pay monthly membership fees. Seventy-four of the 125 candidates elected in the November 7 parliamentary elections are YAP members, as are many of the 38 candidates who ran as "independents."
Azerbaijani Parliament Approves Pro-Government Election Commission, RFE/RL (2011)
The article reports that Azerbaijan's parliament, Milli Meclis, has confirmed a new Central Election Commission (MSK) that strengthens the ruling party's control of the body.
Azerbaijan: Opposition Protest Results in Wave of Arrests, EurasiaNet (2011)
The article reports that Azerbaijani authorities have violently broken up the opposition demonstration. Numerous activists were injured and more that 30 received jail terms. Although the number of protesters was not big (different reports say from few hundreds to 4-5 thousands), president Aliyev's regime showed zero-tolerance to criticism towards governmental policy.
OSCE invited to observe presidential elections in Azerbaijan, Trend (2012)
Azerbaijan invited OSCE and intends to invite some NGO’s to observe presidential elections upcoming in 2013.
Azerbaijani opposition considers election code. “If no amendments are made to the Code, there are calls to boycott the 2013 elections.”, ElectionsWatch (2012)
The Azerbaijan Public Chamber held a discussion about proposed amendments to current Election Code. The flaws were recognized which hinders fair elections. Participants agreed that without amendments, opposition parties shouldn’t go to elections.
