Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has declared snap presidential elections in the country, set to take place on February 7, 2024, a year ahead of the scheduled end of his fourth term. The decree, signed by President Aliyev and published on the presidential website, directs the Central Election Commission to ensure the proper conduct of the elections in accordance with the established procedures outlined in the Election Code of Azerbaijan.
President Aliyev’s popularity has seen an upswing in Azerbaijan, particularly following the government’s successful takeover of the Karabakh region after a swift defeat of ethnic Armenian forces. In November, Aliyev presided over a military parade in Khankendi (formerly Stepanakert), the capital of the region, proclaiming the strength and resilience of the Azerbaijani people.
Analysts have speculated that the timing of the early elections is strategic, capitalizing on Aliyev’s recent surge in popularity and possibly seeking to minimize Russia’s potential influence on the campaign, given the timing coincides with Russia’s own elections.
The Karabakh region, previously under the control of ethnic Armenians since 1994, witnessed a significant shift in 2020 when Azerbaijan regained parts of it and the surrounding territory following a six-week war. The conflict concluded with a Russia-brokered truce, deploying Russian peacekeeping forces to the region and ensuring open transit along a vital road connecting Khankendi with Armenia.
However, tensions persisted, with Azerbaijan blockading the road last winter, resulting in severe shortages of essential supplies in the Armenian-held area. In September, Azerbaijan initiated a blitz that compelled separatist forces to disband, prompting over 100,000 ethnic Armenians to flee the region.
The upcoming presidential elections in Azerbaijan will be closely watched as the country navigates the aftermath of the Karabakh conflict and shapes its political landscape amid regional dynamics.
