The political framework of Azerbaijan

Political Outline

Current Political Leaders

President: Ilham ALIYEV (since October 2003, reelected 7 February 2024)
Prime Minister: Ali ASADOV (since 8 October 2019)

Next Election Dates

Presidential: 2031
National Assembly: November 2029

Main Political Parties

The National Assembly is currently dominated by the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (YAP), while independent deputies form the second-largest bloc. However, opposition parties in Azerbaijan often experience internal divisions, leading to frequent splintering and the formation of new parties. Among the more prominent political forces are:

• New Azerbaijan Party (YAP): Centre-right, nationalist, secularist
• Civic Solidarity Party (CSP): Centre-right, nationalist, conservative
• Motherland Party (AVP): Centre-right, nationalist, conservative
• Azerbaijani Popular Front Party: Centre-right, reformist, nationalist

Other active parties include the Great Order Party, Democratic Reforms Party, Unity Party, Civic Unity Party, Azerbaijan Democratic Enlightenment Party, Republican Alternative (REAL), and the National Front Party.

Executive Power

The President of Azerbaijan is the head of state and holds executive authority. He is elected by popular vote for a seven-year term, with no limit on the number of terms. The President appoints the Prime Minister—who serves as the head of government—subject to confirmation by the National Assembly (Milli Majlis). The President also appoints the Council of Ministers, who are responsible for implementing executive policies.

Legislative Power

Azerbaijan has a unicameral legislature known as the National Assembly (Milli Majlis), which consists of 125 members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms. However, the National Assembly has historically played a limited role in the political system and exerts little influence over executive decisions. Azerbaijan operates under a strong presidential system, where the separation of powers is minimal and the legislative and judicial branches have restricted independence. Political rights and civil liberties are limited, with significant constraints on opposition activities, media freedom, and public dissent.