The snap election in numbers:
- 5573 polling stations;
- 125 seats;
- 1314 candidates (the total number of candidates at the start of the race was 1637, throughout the campaign period 321 candidates withdrew and 2 people had their candidacies canceled by the Central Election Commission);
- 5.2million registered voters;
- 19 party representatives are participating in the election;
- 123 ruling party candidates;
- 64 Musavat party candidates;
- 31 ReAL party candidates;
- 16 candidates representing "Movement" block;
- the National Council of Democratic Forces (an alliance of several opposition parties) is boycotting the election;
- Over 65,000 local and 800 international accredited observers
The former parliament:
- 65 seats were held by the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (YAP);
- 12 seats were held by parties that formally constituted the parliamentary opposition but largely supported YAP;
- 38 seats were held by members elected as independent candidates, who voted in line with the ruling party;
- in total 80 former members are seeking reelection;
- 20 seats were occupied by women;
Source:
OSCE ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission Report 19-21 December 2019.
Election Monitoring and Democracy Studies Center, Interim Report
ODIHR has previously observed 10 elections in Azerbaijan.
The most recent ODIHR Election Observation Mission [11 April 2018 early presidential election] concluded that the election:
“took place within a restrictive political environment and under a legal framework that curtails fundamental rights and freedoms, which are pre-requisites for genuine democratic elections. Against this background and in the absence of pluralism, including in the media, this election lacked genuine competition. Other candidates refrained from directly challenging or criticizing the incumbent, and distinction was not made between his campaign and official activities. At the same time, authorities were co-operative and international observers were able to operate freely in the pre-election period. The election administration was well-resourced and prepared the election efficiently. On election day, international observers reported widespread disregard for mandatory procedures, lack of transparency, and numerous serious irregularities, such as ballot box stuffing”.
Parliamentary candidate Bakhtiyar Hajiyev not allowed to vote
Bakhtiyar Haijyev, an independent candidate, was stopped from entering Sabayil district constituency no.29 (precinct no.6).
Speaking with Azadliq Radio, Hajiyev said, the head of the precinct Jahangir Mammadov told Hajiyev he failed to go through the relevant registration process. There is no such registration process according to Azerbaijan's Electoral Code.
But in an interview with Turan News Agency, Jahangir Mammadov said, the precinct was expecting President Heydar Aliyev to come and cast his ballot before they allowed Hajiyev to enter.
Power cuts are reported at some polling stations
Power cuts reported in several precincts at Surakhani constituency No.30.
"Azerishiq" confirmed the issue and said they are doing their best to fix it. The company claimed the cuts were related to the bad weather conditions.
Candidate Ziya Guliyev from Surakhani constituency said, the power has been out for at least 40 minutes.
Voter turnout by 10:00 AM local time
According to the first report released by the Central Election Commission, by 10:00 AM a total of 12.57% (670,086) of ballots were cast nationwide.