Valeriy Koliukh

On February 7, 2024, Azerbaijan held an early presidential election, the first across its entire internationally recognized territory. President Ilham Aliyev, representing the New Azerbaijan Party (YAP), was reelected in an election that took place in a restrictive environment with limited political alternatives and stifled critical voices. Observers from OSCE/ODIHR criticized the lack of pluralism and genuine alternatives, as well as the restrictive political and legal environment. The campaign period was subdued, with limited public engagement. Although seven candidates were registered, none mounted a meaningful challenge to the president, and some echoed his policies. Legal and administrative barriers stifled opposition activities, while media coverage overwhelmingly favored the incumbent. Arrests of journalists and a restrictive media environment fostered widespread self-censorship. Despite a reported turnout of 76.7%, election observers noted irregularities, including ballot-box stuffing, violations of voting secrecy, and other procedural shortcomings. While election day was peaceful, systemic restrictions on freedoms of assembly, expression, and association undermined the credibility of the election process.