The CNIS held its next in the series of “Azerbaijan Democratic Republic ( 1918-1920)  Round Tables” conference on the 8th of February in Baku. The round table was devoted to the political parties and elections and their characteristics in the oil rich post-Soviet states. Development of the democratic institutions in the post-Soviet oil rich states of the Caspian region faces additional to the common soviet legacies structural obstacles. These characteristics include first of all ruling elite’s monopoly over oil and gas resources, which in the absence of the real mechanisms of the public...


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This book explores legislation defining the functioning of political parties in Azerbaijan. It includes discussion of various issues ranging from the registration of political parties to the formation of factions within the parliament. The author analyses how an increasingly restrictive legal environment and government policies have influenced the development of a multi-party system in Azerbaijan. She highlights the impact of legislation and electoral practices, the status of factions and groups in the parliament, the political economy of energy rich states and degree of fundamental freedoms upon...


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FB Digest@VoxPOPULI   “Those who exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, should not be subjected to pressure...” (Lack of) Human Rights and Freedoms On August 16, new charges were brought against journalist Nargiz Absalamova, who was involved in the investigation of the "AbzasMedia case." This information was shared by the journalist's lawyer, Shahla Humbatova. "Nargiz Absalamova has been charged under several articles of the Criminal Code, including 192.3.2 (illegal entrepreneurship, especially when committed for substantial profit),...


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FB Digest@VoxPOPULI   “Corrupt officials accuse us of crimes we did not commit...” (Lack of) Human Rights and Freedoms The father of Adil Baba, a member of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (AXCP) Fariz Babayev, said that his son’s suicide is a direct result of politically motivated threats. "Let me say once again that everything started after the Party led a meeting at Adil's house. Therefore, I consider my son's suicide to be entirely political, and I believe that the reason for this suicide will be revealed over time. I eagerly await the day when everyone, from the lowest...


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FB Digest@VoxPOPULI   “Despite objections from the opposition and activists regarding the illogical closure of land borders for four years, the authorities have not taken them into consideration...” (Lack of) Human Rights and Freedoms Elkhan Aliyev, an activist from the Azerbaijani Popular Front Party (AXCP), who has been imprisoned for 10 months, has announced that he will start a hunger strike to the death. At the Baku Court of Appeal, he declared that beginning on May 15, he will refuse both food and water. An AXCP official explained that Aliyev is taking this drastic step...


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