Azerbaijan’s Ruling Party Secures Majority Amid Allegations of Electoral Fraud

In Azerbaijan’s recent snap parliamentary elections, the ruling New Azerbaijan Party claimed a majority, winning 67 seats, alongside 45 seats taken by independent candidates believed to be government-affiliated, OC Media reported yesterday.

Opposition parties, including the Civic Solidarity Party, secured only a handful of seats, with the Popular Front Party boycotting the elections.

Allegations of electoral fraud have surfaced, with opposition leaders asserting that results were tampered with. The National Council has urged the international community not to recognize the outcomes, labeling the elections unconstitutional and claiming they were timed to avoid overlap with the COP29 climate conference.

Despite these claims, Azerbaijan’s Public Defender insisted the elections were conducted fairly, citing a voter turnout of 37.27%.

Azerbaijan has a predominantly Muslim population, with nearly 85% adhering to Shia Islam, who have endeavoured to maintain an active role in the political landscape of the country.