OSCE ODIHR to observe Azerbaijan's snap parliamentary polls

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has confirmed its plans to deploy an observer mission for Azerbaijan's upcoming extraordinary parliamentary elections scheduled for September 1, 2024. This announcement follows an official invitation to the organization by Azerbaijani authorities.

"We have received an invitation to observe the 2024 early parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan," Caliber.Az reported, citing local media sources.

The ODIHR, renowned for promoting democracy and human rights through election observation, expressed readiness to monitor the electoral process closely. "We are planning to send an election observation mission, and the number of observers is likely to be similar to the ODIHR mission sent to the presidential election in Azerbaijan in February," a spokesperson for ODIHR stated. "However, it is too early to talk about the exact details at this stage."

Azerbaijan's decision to hold early parliamentary elections was formalized by President Ilham Aliyev through a decree issued on June 28, which dissolved the 6th Milli Majlis, the national parliament. The forthcoming elections are seen as pivotal in shaping the country's political landscape and ensuring democratic governance.