Azerbaijan's CEC unveils extensive candidate list for September 1 vote

The upcoming parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan will offer voters a substantial array of choices, with 991 candidates appearing on the ballots, as confirmed by Rovzat Gasimov, Deputy Chairman of the Central Election Commission.

In a statement, Gasimov detailed that the Commission has printed a total of 6,516,567 ballots for the September 1 elections, Caliber.Az reports.

Each ballot will list the names of 991 candidates, ensuring a broad selection for voters. “This extensive number of candidates means that voters will have a wide range of choices on September 1,” Gasimov emphasized.

Gasimov also reported that the candidate campaigns are progressing in a calm and orderly manner, reflecting a smooth electoral process.

The snap elections were initiated following an order from President Ilham Aliyev on June 28, which led to the dissolution of the Milli Majlis of the sixth convocation. These elections are scheduled for September 1, 2024. This will be the first parliamentary election since Azerbaijan gained independence in 1991, following the establishment of the initial parliament through elections held in 1995.

Azerbaijan’s typical electoral process involves electing parliamentary members for five-year terms using a majority electoral system. However, a constitutional amendment in 2016 allows for shorter terms in cases of snap elections. As a result, future elections following this snap election will be held on the first Sunday in November, five years thereafter.