Azerbaijan operates under a presidential system of government and holds elections to determine its political representatives. Here is some information about the election system in Azerbaijan:
- Presidential Elections: The President of Azerbaijan is elected through a direct popular vote. Presidential elections occur every seven years, but early elections can be called under certain circumstances. The candidate who receives the majority of valid votes is declared the winner. If no candidate achieves a majority in the first round, a second round is held between the top two candidates.
- National Assembly Elections: The National Assembly of Azerbaijan is the country’s legislative body. It consists of 125 members known as deputies. Members of the National Assembly are elected through a mixed electoral system, with 100 deputies elected from single-member constituencies and 25 deputies elected through a proportional representation system. Political parties or electoral blocs can participate in the elections.
- Electoral Process: The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan is responsible for organizing and overseeing elections in the country. It ensures the transparency and fairness of the electoral process, including voter registration, candidate nomination, and the counting of votes. International observers may be invited to monitor the elections.
- Voter Eligibility: Azerbaijani citizens who are at least 18 years old have the right to vote. Voter registration is required, and citizens must be included in the electoral roll to participate in elections. Voter registration is typically conducted before elections, and eligible voters must present identification documents to cast their ballots.
- Election Results: The presidential candidate who receives the majority of valid votes is declared the winner and assumes the presidency. In National Assembly elections, seats are distributed among political parties or electoral blocs based on the mixed electoral system. The party or coalition that secures the majority of seats forms the government, and the Prime Minister is appointed by the President.
