Commencement of Presidential Election in Azerbaijan Today
Baku, The Gulf Observer: Today marks the beginning of a pivotal democratic exercise as Azerbaijan opens its polling stations for the presidential election. According to Azeri media reports, a total of seven candidates have been officially registered to participate, with five representing political parties and two as independent candidates. The closure of candidate registrations on January 9 set the stage for a significant electoral event.
From 08:00 (GMT+4), voters across the nation will cast their ballots at 6,537 polling stations, with the voting period concluding at 19:00. To keep the public informed, the Central Election Commission Secretariat’s Information Center will provide preliminary updates on the voting process and results at 10:00, 12:00, 15:00, 17:00, and 19:00.
The candidates contesting for the presidency in the upcoming elections include the incumbent President Ilham Aliyev, representing the New Azerbaijan Party. The list further features independent contenders Zahid Oruj and Fuad Aliyev, along with Razi Nurullayev (National Front Party), Fazil Mustafa (Great Order Party), Elshad Musayev (Great Azerbaijan Party), and Gudrat Gasanguliyev (Whole Azerbaijan Popular Front Party).
The voter roll comprises 6,478,623 individuals who will exercise their voting rights at polling stations distributed across the nation. A total of 90,372 observers are registered to monitor the election process, with 790 representing 72 international organizations hailing from 89 countries.
In a historic first for independent Azerbaijan, the election coverage will extend to the recently liberated territories from Armenian occupation in 2020. Twenty-six polling stations have been established in these areas, demonstrating the government’s commitment to inclusive representation.
For Azerbaijani citizens residing abroad, 49 polling stations have been set up in embassies and consulates across 37 countries. This initiative enables over 23,000 expatriates to actively participate in the voting process, fostering a sense of national engagement on a global scale.
A robust media presence of 190 international entities is dedicated to observing the election, with 216 of their representatives officially registered as international observers. This comprehensive international oversight underscores the commitment to ensuring a transparent and fair electoral process.
On the day of voting, special provisions will be in place for individuals whose names appear on the voter list but are unable to attend polling stations. Portable ballot boxes will be deployed in strict adherence to the stipulations outlined in the Electoral Code, ensuring that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to exercise their democratic right.
