Since the restoration of state independence in 1991, 7 parliamentary elections have been held in Azerbaijan. In the 1995 and 2000 elections, 100 members of the Milli Majlis were elected by a majoritarian system (by constituencies), and 25 members by a proportional system (by party lists). In 2002, the proportional system was abolished, and in the 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020, and 2024 elections, the parliament was formed by the majoritarian system.
Looking at neighboring countries, the parliaments of Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, and the House of Representatives of the Belarus parliament are formed by the majoritarian election system.
Six nearby countries have a mixed election system.
Half of the members of the Ukrainian parliament, the Russian parliament’s State Duma, and the Legislative Chamber of the Uzbek parliament are elected by majoritarian and half by proportional system.
In Lithuania, 71 members of parliament are elected by majoritarian, and 70 by proportional system.
In Kazakhstan, 69 members of the Mazhilis are elected by proportional, and 29 members by majoritarian system.
In Tajikistan, 41 members of the House of Representatives are elected by majoritarian and 22 by proportional system.
In Estonia, Latvia, Moldova, Armenia, and Georgia, parliaments are formed by the proportional system.
Which system would be better for Azerbaijan?
Regarding this topic, the Medianews.az site reached out to party leaders.
The chairman of the National Independence Party, MP Arzukhan Alizade said, in 2019, together with 14 parties, AMIP produced a document: “In that document, the position supporting the establishment of a mixed election system in the country was reflected. Because the proportional election system provides additional incentives for the institution of political parties. From this point of view, I believe that it would be more appropriate to switch to a mixed election system in Azerbaijan.”
A. Alizade recalls that the Constitution of Azerbaijan was adopted in 1995: “At that time, the population of Azerbaijan was approximately around 7 million. Currently, we have over 10 million population. Back then, 125 deputies were represented in the parliament, and it is the same now. I believe that increasing the number of members in parliament is also a subject for discussion. Naturally, for all these to be realized, constitutional amendments should be made in the country. Constitutional amendments are unequivocally possible only by referendum. For that reason, the issue of holding a referendum comes to the agenda. From time to time, this issue has been the subject of discussion. Whether it is the executive, legislative authorities, or changes related to local self-government, the holding of a referendum to implement such changes has been raised several times in the socio-political sphere up to now.
I believe that increasing the number of deputies in parliament, as well as electing a significant portion of them by majoritarian and a part by proportional election system, would be better. Naturally, whichever decision is made, participation in elections will correspond accordingly. But switching to a mixed system and increasing the number of members in parliament are more reasonable options.”
The chairman of the Republican Alternative Party Political Committee, Natiq Jafarli said: “For years, we have been calling for the restoration of the proportional election system. The proportional election system can increase the parliament's prestige, and at the same time enable political parties to more closely adopt state traditions, gain experience in governance, and form on ideological grounds. The proportional election system would result in the formation of a few strong parties instead of dozens of weak parties as exists now. This would foster the establishment of alternative opinions on a political and ideological basis in the country, the presentation of concepts about the better way forward, and initiate a beneficial competition among them.”
The chairman of the Justice Party, Mütəllim Rəhimov stated that parliamentary elections mean transmitting the voice of the people to the government and taking their opinions into account in state governance: “Therefore, democratic parliamentary elections are very important because through this the people can participate in governance. After Azerbaijan gained independence, alongside the majoritarian system, the proportional system also existed, and 25 deputies were elected to parliament on the basis of proportional system. The necessity of the proportional election system is also that it serves the development of political institutionalization in the country. If political institutionalization does not develop within the country and parties do not have influence on society, then foreign forces start to penetrate society. Thus, interested forces try to weaken the state from inside. For this reason, the implementation of proportional elections is required for the development of political parties.
In most developed countries, the proportional election system exists. It is a tried and effective method for political parties to present their programs and platforms to the public. Also, in terms of ensuring the democratic nature of elections, it is considered one of the best methods used so far.
We should learn lessons from world experience and choose options that will strengthen the people's participation in power to ensure society’s development and protect it from side effects. I believe restoring the proportional election system is one of these options.”
M. Rəhimov noted that the need has already arisen in society itself: “In the process of the world order being reformed, Azerbaijan’s society and state are subjected to major external influences and pressures. These influences are most apparent in the information sphere. To prevent information warfare, the representation of political parties in power, especially in the legislative body, is very important. The proportional system ensures precisely this.
Currently, political parties in Azerbaijan can only be represented in parliament through the majoritarian system. This, however, prevents their comprehensive acceptance and increase of influence in society. That is why the restoration of the proportional election system is necessary in Azerbaijan. This can serve to strengthen Azerbaijan and minimize external influences on our state.
At the same time, we see that for explaining and determining the direction of ongoing processes internationally, the development of political parties and tracking this dynamic is important. In this regard, restoring the proportional election system is necessary for strengthening political parties and increasing their influence in Azerbaijan.
The best option for Azerbaijan again is to switch to a mixed system. That is, the parliament should be formed both by proportional and majoritarian system. In this system, political parties participate and present their programs and platforms, while persons who are not party members but possess influence in society have the right to be elected as independent candidates. This is necessary both for conducting elections more democratically and for the development of political parties.”
The chairman of the White Party, Tural Abbaslı, said that it would be advisable to hold parliamentary elections by a fully proportional system: “In the proportional election system, parties nominate candidates, and voters vote not for individuals but for parties, political, economic courses. They choose a known institution. Tomorrow they also determine an address they should demand from. That is, I voted for the White Party, some from there won mandates in parliament, but they did not realize my wishes and desires within the framework of legislation. There is an address where people will complain, get offended, be disappointed, and protest — the White Party or another party. It is important that deputies are elected proportionally in terms of responsibility.
In the majoritarian election system, sometimes accidental persons participate in elections and even win mandates. They have no real accountability to voters. They have no party ties, no ideological or political directions. But a deputy elected proportionally, along party lines, is always under responsibility and pressure in a good sense. The proportional system is very necessary for the arrival of more professional politicians in parliament.
We also understand the reality that it is difficult for Azerbaijan to suddenly switch to the proportional election system. But at the very least, switching to a mixed system is possible. Increasing the number of parliamentary members to 150 and electing 75 proportionally is also not a bad option.”
Nailə Qasımova,
Medianews.az
