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Angus Reid Global Scan, Canada
Oct 9 2005
Azerbaijan - CIS observers begin operations
Election Date: November 6, 2005
CREDIT: Flag courtesy of ITA's Flags of All Countries used with
permission.
At stake: National Assembly
Background
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Following the collapse of the Soviet
Union, lawmakers in Azerbaijan voted to restore the area's
independence. Former Communist Party leader Ayaz Mutallibov became
president, while Haidar Aliyev - who had coordinated the operations of
the KGB in the region - took over as leader in the exclave of
Nakhichevan.
A war broke out in the early 1990s between Azerbaijan and Armenia
over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The area is controlled by ethnic
Armenians - who consider it an independent republic - but is claimed by
Azerbaijan as part of its territory. The hostilities ended with an
unofficial truce negotiated by Russia in 1994.
Aliyev took over as Azerbaijan's president in 1993. The election was
boycotted by Abulfaz Elchibey, who had substituted Mutallibov as head
of state. A year later, three members of a special police force were
arrested after two political assassinations. Aliyev said the incident
amounted to an attempted coup, and declared a state of emergency.
In 1994, a Western consortium signed a $7.4 billion U.S. contract to
develop Azerbaijan's offshore oil and gas reserves. A pipeline that
carries oil all the way to the Turkish port of Ceyhan began operating
in May 2005.
In 1995, Aliyev's New Azerbaijan Party (YAP) won a majority of the
seats in the country's first-ever multi-party legislative ballot. The
contest failed to meet international standards, according to
international organizations. The 1998 presidential election and the
2001 legislative election would also be criticized as "irregular" by
observers.
In August 2002, voters supported a series of constitutional
amendments in a referendum, as Aliyev seemed poised to seek a new
term in office. The authoritarianism of the Aliyev regime was
condemned by human rights organizations, and the Council of Europe
chided Azerbaijan for holding political prisoners. Health problems
forced the 80-year-old president to eventually withdraw from the
contest.
In August 2003, the National Assembly appointed Aliyev's son
Ilham - who had already been registered as a presidential candidate - as
the country's prime minister. The younger Aliyev had served as the
vice-president of Azerbaijan's state-run oil company, and was elected
as vice-president of the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly.
In October 2003, Ilham Aliyev was elected with 77.97 per cent of all
cast ballots. The election was once again criticized by international
monitors.
Click here for 2003 Azerbaijan Presidential Election Tracker
2005 National Assembly Election
The ballot to renew Azerbaijan's legislative branch will take place
on Nov. 6. The election is regarded as a key test for the former
Soviet Republic, after fraud allegations led to power shifts in
Georgia, Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan.
On May 11, Ilham Aliyev issued a decree which outlines a series of
measures meant to improve the democratic process. The policies
include raising "the professionalism and competence" of election
officials and conducting exit polls. No changes were implemented in
the provision that sets the structure of the election commission,
where the authorities hold a majority over the opposition.
On Jul. 5, the campaign period officially began. Each candidate must
submit the signatures of 450 supporters in order to become
registered.
On Jul. 13, Azerbaijani media outlets signed an ethics code, which
aims to promote constructive and independent news coverage during the
campaign.
On Jul. 15, former U.S. state secretary Madeleine Albright expressed
confidence in the democratic process, saying, "The election campaigns
have already started and I believe the decree signed by president
Ilham Aliyev will play a basic role for holding a free and fair
election."
On Jul. 26, the U.S. announced plans to finance an exit poll, in
order to help Azerbaijan conduct a free and fair ballot.
On Sept. 5, exiled former president Ayaz Mutallibov was registered as
a candidate in the parliamentary ballot. Former National Assembly
speaker Rasul Guliyev will also be a contender. Prosecutors have said
that both politicians could be arrested if they return to Azerbaijan.
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) chairman
Dmitrij Rupel expressed satisfaction with the process so far,
declaring, "The Azerbaijan authorities are taking steps to fulfil the
recommendations of international organizations and can resolve all
outstanding problems by November. Azerbaijan's democratization is
ongoing."
On Sept. 11, thousands of opposition supporters demanded a free and
fair ballot in Baku. The protesters wore orange-coloured clothing, a
reference to the successful campaign of Ukraine's Viktor Yushchenko.
On Sept. 15, Islamic Party leader Hajiaga Nuriev was banned from
contention by the Central Election Commission (CEC). While Nuriev
sought to register as a contender for an opposition bloc, the CEC
claimed that his ties to the Islamic Party contravene regulations
that do not allow religious activists to run for public office.
On Sept. 23, the independent Prognoz centre announced that it would
hold an exit poll on the day of the legislative ballot.
In accordance with existing regulations, only parties or alliances
with at least 60 registered candidates can have free access to
state-run national television for promotion.
The governing New Azerbaijan Party (YAP) has included first lady
Mehriban Aliyeva in its list of contenders, along with Aydin
Mirzazade, Ahad Abiyev, Musa Musayev and Jalal Aliyev - the current
president's uncle. Mirzazade said the slate of candidates "includes
former parliamentarians and new names as well as those who have great
merits within the party. If the list would include only nationally
known personalities, it would prevent regional party members from
getting a chance to become better known."
The opposition Azadliq (Freedom) alliance encompasses the Azerbaijan
Popular Front Party (AKC), the Musavat (Equality) party and the
Azerbaijan Democratic Party (ADP). AKC deputy chairman Fuad
Mustafayev explained the rationale for the coalition, declaring, "The
long-awaited alliance is designed for long-term purposes. We had to
move from an autonomous existence to co-existence."
The New Policy (YeS) bloc was formed in April, with Eldar Namazov as
its leader. The group presented its policy platform s titled "From
Authoritarianism to Democracy, From Corruption to a Legal State,"
which severely criticizes Aliyev's regime. The YeS list includes
former president Ayaz Mutallibov.
On Oct. 6, observers from the Commonwealth of Independent States
(CIS) opened their mission headquarters in Baku. Azerbaijan's first
deputy prime minister Abbas Abbasov said the CIS team "will be
monitoring the election campaign in all regions and cities."
Political Players
President: Ilham Aliyev
Prime minister: Artur Rasi-Zade - YAP
The president is elected to a five-year term by popular vote.
Legislative Branch: The Milli Meclisi (National Assembly) has 125
members, 100 members elected to five-year terms in single-seat
constituencies, and 25 members elected by proportional
representation.
Results of Last Election:
President - Oct. 25, 2003
Vote%
Ilham Aliyev
(Nakhichevan)
77.97%
Isa Gambar
(Equality Party - Musavat)
11.91%
Lala-Sovket Hajiyeva
(National Unity)
3.22%
Etibar Mamedov
(Azerbaijan National Independence Party)
2.00%
Ilyas Ismailov
(Justice Party)
0.80%
Sabir Rustamkhanli
(Civil Solidarity Party)
0.76%
Gudrat Hasanguliyev
(Popular Front)
0.44%
Hafiz Hajiyev
(New Musavat Party)
0.32%
National Assembly - Nov. 5, 2000 and Jan. 7, 2001.
Vote%
Seats
New Azerbaijan Party (YAP)
62.3%
75
Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (AKC)
11.0%
6
Civil Solidarity Party (VBP)
6.4%
3
Azerbaijan Communist Party (AKP)
6.3%
2
Equality Party (Musavat)
4.9%
2
Azerbaijan National Independence Party (AMIP)
3.9%
2
Azerbaijan Liberal Party (ALP)
1.3%
--
Azerbaijan Democratic Party (ADP)
1.1%
--
Alliance Party for the Sake of Azerbaijan (ANAP)
1.0%
1
Social Prosperity Party (SPP)
--
1
Motherland Party (MP)
--
1
Ana Vatan (AV)
--
1
Yurddash Partiyasi (YP)
--
1
Non-partisans
--
29
http://www.angus-reid.com/tracker/index.cfm/fuseaction/viewItem/itemID/8187
Oct 9 2005
Azerbaijan - CIS observers begin operations
Election Date: November 6, 2005
CREDIT: Flag courtesy of ITA's Flags of All Countries used with
permission.
At stake: National Assembly
Background
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Following the collapse of the Soviet
Union, lawmakers in Azerbaijan voted to restore the area's
independence. Former Communist Party leader Ayaz Mutallibov became
president, while Haidar Aliyev - who had coordinated the operations of
the KGB in the region - took over as leader in the exclave of
Nakhichevan.
A war broke out in the early 1990s between Azerbaijan and Armenia
over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The area is controlled by ethnic
Armenians - who consider it an independent republic - but is claimed by
Azerbaijan as part of its territory. The hostilities ended with an
unofficial truce negotiated by Russia in 1994.
Aliyev took over as Azerbaijan's president in 1993. The election was
boycotted by Abulfaz Elchibey, who had substituted Mutallibov as head
of state. A year later, three members of a special police force were
arrested after two political assassinations. Aliyev said the incident
amounted to an attempted coup, and declared a state of emergency.
In 1994, a Western consortium signed a $7.4 billion U.S. contract to
develop Azerbaijan's offshore oil and gas reserves. A pipeline that
carries oil all the way to the Turkish port of Ceyhan began operating
in May 2005.
In 1995, Aliyev's New Azerbaijan Party (YAP) won a majority of the
seats in the country's first-ever multi-party legislative ballot. The
contest failed to meet international standards, according to
international organizations. The 1998 presidential election and the
2001 legislative election would also be criticized as "irregular" by
observers.
In August 2002, voters supported a series of constitutional
amendments in a referendum, as Aliyev seemed poised to seek a new
term in office. The authoritarianism of the Aliyev regime was
condemned by human rights organizations, and the Council of Europe
chided Azerbaijan for holding political prisoners. Health problems
forced the 80-year-old president to eventually withdraw from the
contest.
In August 2003, the National Assembly appointed Aliyev's son
Ilham - who had already been registered as a presidential candidate - as
the country's prime minister. The younger Aliyev had served as the
vice-president of Azerbaijan's state-run oil company, and was elected
as vice-president of the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly.
In October 2003, Ilham Aliyev was elected with 77.97 per cent of all
cast ballots. The election was once again criticized by international
monitors.
Click here for 2003 Azerbaijan Presidential Election Tracker
2005 National Assembly Election
The ballot to renew Azerbaijan's legislative branch will take place
on Nov. 6. The election is regarded as a key test for the former
Soviet Republic, after fraud allegations led to power shifts in
Georgia, Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan.
On May 11, Ilham Aliyev issued a decree which outlines a series of
measures meant to improve the democratic process. The policies
include raising "the professionalism and competence" of election
officials and conducting exit polls. No changes were implemented in
the provision that sets the structure of the election commission,
where the authorities hold a majority over the opposition.
On Jul. 5, the campaign period officially began. Each candidate must
submit the signatures of 450 supporters in order to become
registered.
On Jul. 13, Azerbaijani media outlets signed an ethics code, which
aims to promote constructive and independent news coverage during the
campaign.
On Jul. 15, former U.S. state secretary Madeleine Albright expressed
confidence in the democratic process, saying, "The election campaigns
have already started and I believe the decree signed by president
Ilham Aliyev will play a basic role for holding a free and fair
election."
On Jul. 26, the U.S. announced plans to finance an exit poll, in
order to help Azerbaijan conduct a free and fair ballot.
On Sept. 5, exiled former president Ayaz Mutallibov was registered as
a candidate in the parliamentary ballot. Former National Assembly
speaker Rasul Guliyev will also be a contender. Prosecutors have said
that both politicians could be arrested if they return to Azerbaijan.
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) chairman
Dmitrij Rupel expressed satisfaction with the process so far,
declaring, "The Azerbaijan authorities are taking steps to fulfil the
recommendations of international organizations and can resolve all
outstanding problems by November. Azerbaijan's democratization is
ongoing."
On Sept. 11, thousands of opposition supporters demanded a free and
fair ballot in Baku. The protesters wore orange-coloured clothing, a
reference to the successful campaign of Ukraine's Viktor Yushchenko.
On Sept. 15, Islamic Party leader Hajiaga Nuriev was banned from
contention by the Central Election Commission (CEC). While Nuriev
sought to register as a contender for an opposition bloc, the CEC
claimed that his ties to the Islamic Party contravene regulations
that do not allow religious activists to run for public office.
On Sept. 23, the independent Prognoz centre announced that it would
hold an exit poll on the day of the legislative ballot.
In accordance with existing regulations, only parties or alliances
with at least 60 registered candidates can have free access to
state-run national television for promotion.
The governing New Azerbaijan Party (YAP) has included first lady
Mehriban Aliyeva in its list of contenders, along with Aydin
Mirzazade, Ahad Abiyev, Musa Musayev and Jalal Aliyev - the current
president's uncle. Mirzazade said the slate of candidates "includes
former parliamentarians and new names as well as those who have great
merits within the party. If the list would include only nationally
known personalities, it would prevent regional party members from
getting a chance to become better known."
The opposition Azadliq (Freedom) alliance encompasses the Azerbaijan
Popular Front Party (AKC), the Musavat (Equality) party and the
Azerbaijan Democratic Party (ADP). AKC deputy chairman Fuad
Mustafayev explained the rationale for the coalition, declaring, "The
long-awaited alliance is designed for long-term purposes. We had to
move from an autonomous existence to co-existence."
The New Policy (YeS) bloc was formed in April, with Eldar Namazov as
its leader. The group presented its policy platform s titled "From
Authoritarianism to Democracy, From Corruption to a Legal State,"
which severely criticizes Aliyev's regime. The YeS list includes
former president Ayaz Mutallibov.
On Oct. 6, observers from the Commonwealth of Independent States
(CIS) opened their mission headquarters in Baku. Azerbaijan's first
deputy prime minister Abbas Abbasov said the CIS team "will be
monitoring the election campaign in all regions and cities."
Political Players
President: Ilham Aliyev
Prime minister: Artur Rasi-Zade - YAP
The president is elected to a five-year term by popular vote.
Legislative Branch: The Milli Meclisi (National Assembly) has 125
members, 100 members elected to five-year terms in single-seat
constituencies, and 25 members elected by proportional
representation.
Results of Last Election:
President - Oct. 25, 2003
Vote%
Ilham Aliyev
(Nakhichevan)
77.97%
Isa Gambar
(Equality Party - Musavat)
11.91%
Lala-Sovket Hajiyeva
(National Unity)
3.22%
Etibar Mamedov
(Azerbaijan National Independence Party)
2.00%
Ilyas Ismailov
(Justice Party)
0.80%
Sabir Rustamkhanli
(Civil Solidarity Party)
0.76%
Gudrat Hasanguliyev
(Popular Front)
0.44%
Hafiz Hajiyev
(New Musavat Party)
0.32%
National Assembly - Nov. 5, 2000 and Jan. 7, 2001.
Vote%
Seats
New Azerbaijan Party (YAP)
62.3%
75
Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (AKC)
11.0%
6
Civil Solidarity Party (VBP)
6.4%
3
Azerbaijan Communist Party (AKP)
6.3%
2
Equality Party (Musavat)
4.9%
2
Azerbaijan National Independence Party (AMIP)
3.9%
2
Azerbaijan Liberal Party (ALP)
1.3%
--
Azerbaijan Democratic Party (ADP)
1.1%
--
Alliance Party for the Sake of Azerbaijan (ANAP)
1.0%
1
Social Prosperity Party (SPP)
--
1
Motherland Party (MP)
--
1
Ana Vatan (AV)
--
1
Yurddash Partiyasi (YP)
--
1
Non-partisans
--
29
http://www.angus-reid.com/tracker/index.cfm/fuseaction/viewItem/itemID/8187