Preliminary results from Azerbaijan's parliamentary elections held on Sunday indicate that the party of President Ilham Aliyev has maintained its stronghold in the country's political landscape. The New Azerbaijan party secured 68 out of the 125 seats in the Milli Majlis, while independents claimed 45 seats and candidates from smaller parties, mostly aligned with Aliyev, won the remaining seats.
An international observer mission from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) expressed concerns about the lack of genuine political alternatives available to voters during the election. The observers noted that the restrictive political and legal environment, along with a subdued campaign atmosphere, undermined the electoral process.
The National Elections Commission reported a low voter turnout of just 37% of the electorate, indicating widespread political apathy among the population. The OSCE parliamentary assembly's delegation also highlighted the lack of meaningful choice and engagement as contributing factors to the disinterest among voters.
President Aliyev, who has been in power since 2003 following his father Heydar Aliyev's presidency, has faced criticism for suppressing opposition voices and restricting independent media in Azerbaijan. This election marked the first nationwide vote for parliament since Azerbaijan regained control of the Karabakh region in 2023, following a military offensive that drove separatists out of the area.
