Azerbaijan holds parliamentary election expected to retain presidential party’s dominance

Polls opened on Sunday in Azerbaijan for a snap parliamentary election, the first since it regained full control of a former breakaway territory in a lightning offensive last year.

The election comes amid regional challenges and ongoing geopolitical tensions, with international observers closely monitoring the process.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev cast his ballot at a polling station in the Milli Mejlis parliament in Baku earlier in the day alongside his wife, Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, and their daughter, Leyla Aliyeva.

Previous elections since independence from the Soviet Union have not been regarded as fully free or fair, and the vote for the Milli Mejlis parliament is not expected to bring significant changes to the body dominated by President Ilham Aliyev‘s New Azerbaijan party.

"I am voting to enhance our education system, with the hope that in five years, there will be more job opportunities and less unemployment. I am voting for a better future and positive progress in our country," said one voter.

"It is my duty to actively participate in the elections" said another voter. "That’s why I am here today—to vote for a stable and prosperous life” he added.

Twenty-five political parties are participating in these elections, with the winners set to govern the country for the next five years. 990 candidates are competing for 125 positions in parliament.

The ruling party currently holds 69 of the 125 seats, and most of the rest belong to small pro-government parties or independents.

This is the second time the people of Azerbaijan are voting in 2024. While they’re now electing their parliament, seven months ago they voted in presidential elections.

The Musavat party, the major opposition formation, put forth 34