Baku accuses EU of interference in internal affairs following election criticism
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and the flags of Azerbaijan, EU can be seen. (AA Photo)
Azerbaijan has condemned the European Union for alleged interference in its internal affairs after the European External Action Service (EEAS) criticized the country’s early parliamentary elections held on Sept. 1.
EU’s comments about elections in Azerbaijan
The EU’s comments, voiced by EEAS spokesman Peter Stano, raised concerns about the political environment surrounding the election, suggesting it lacked genuine competition and pluralism.
In his statement, Stano noted, “The election was held within a restrictive political environment and was devoid of competition,” echoing concerns expressed by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). According to the OSCE ODIHR Election Observation Mission, there were “serious irregularities and omissions” in the vote count, raising doubts about the integrity of the electoral process.
‘Focus on internal problems of some EU member states’
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry strongly rejected the EU’s assessment. “Such a subjective claim and biased political consideration by Peter Stano, repeating the preset negative attitude by the OSCE ODIHR, is unfounded,” Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry spokesman Aykhan Hajizada said on X (formerly Twitter).
“The elections took place in full accordance with the Constitution of Azerbaijan and its national laws.”
Hajizada also urged the EU to “realize the futility of their course of unsuccessful interference into the internal affairs of Azerbaijan” and instead “focus on internal problems of some EU member states.”
Election results and voter turnout in Azerbaijan
According to the Azerbaijani Central Election Commission, the ruling New Azerbaijan Party is projected to win 68 seats in the 125-member National Assembly, while independent candidates will secure 45 seats. Representatives of nine other political parties will share 12 seats.
Voter turnout was reported at 37.27%, with 990 candidates participating in the election.
Turkish FM welcomes Azerbaijani elections as step toward stability
Turkish Foreign Ministry expressed hope on Monday that Azerbaijan’s recent parliamentary elections, held on Sept. 1, will be “auspicious” for the country.
In a statement, the ministry described the elections as historic and emphasized their significance in reflecting the will of the Azerbaijani people. “We firmly believe that the results will contribute significantly to the establishment of lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus,” the ministry added.
The Azerbaijani government has not yet issued a direct response to the specific concerns raised by the OSCE ODIHR about the absence of competition and irregularities during the election.
https://x.com/osce_odihr/status/1830581701883351045
