While it is unusual to anticipate such decisions, it is evident that the mechanism for dissolving the Milli Majlis and appointing an extraordinary plebiscite is already in motion. There is no doubt that these early parliamentary elections are part of the ongoing process to reboot the entire political system of Azerbaijan. The first and most crucial stage of this process was the early presidential elections held on February 7, 2024, which were dubbed “victory elections” in Azerbaijan. The incumbent president, Ilham Aliyev, received over 92% of the vote.
Now, the next stage is the early parliamentary elections, which is both logical and understandable. Much has changed in our lives since February 9, 2020, when the current Milli Majlis was elected. The past four years have included the 44-day war, a brilliant victory in Karabakh, the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, local anti-terrorist operations in September 2023, and a bloodless victory at the border with the return of four villages in the Gazakh region.
During these years, Azerbaijan has not only resolved its primary national task of the past 30 years—restoring territorial integrity—but also entered the “premier political league,” passing the difficult exam of state maturity and viability. Now, new challenges, tasks, and questions lie ahead, requiring immediate answers. For this, a “re-tuning” of political mechanisms in society, including the legislative branch, is necessary. Parliamentary elections should be held across the entire territory of Azerbaijan, including the areas liberated from Armenian occupation in Upper and Lower Karabakh, and Eastern Zangezur. Voting will involve not displaced persons but the original residents returning to their homes.
This is undoubtedly the main reason for early parliamentary elections, but not the only one. Recent years in Azerbaijan have also been marked by extensive political and personnel reforms and a significant fight against corruption. The public recalls notable arrests and high-profile resignations. While the Milli Majlis was relatively unaffected, the parliament is still part of the country’s political system, just like the executive branch. Yes, the Milli Majlis contains many intelligent and worthy individuals. However, to be honest, the activities of the parliamentary body in recent years have not always received enthusiastic praise. There has been criticism, often justified, which is another reason why early parliamentary elections are now so necessary. Additionally, some deputies from certain constituencies were not elected. Where a new vote was required, the elections were hindered by the coronavirus pandemic and quarantine measures.
Now, Azerbaijan is preparing for early parliamentary elections, aiming for a comprehensive reboot of the parliamentary body, parliamentary life, and legislative work. Much will depend on us—the voters. It depends on how thoughtfully and responsibly we make our choices, whether we can distinguish a real program from a set of beautiful slogans and promises, and whether we understand that a deputy from our constituency should address national issues, not handle local street repairs or lighting installations—that is the role of local authorities. Lastly, it depends on how well we remember our own history.
Democracy is undoubtedly positive, but no one wants to see a return to the 1990s, especially in the Milli Majlis.
Nurani
Translated from minval.az
