BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 25. Through the parliamentary election, Azerbaijan is demonstrating its determination to be the master of its own destiny and resist foreign interference, Jean-Michel Brun, chief editor of the Paris-based online newspaper La Gazette du Caucase, said in his article, Trend reports.
"This parliamentary election carries particular symbolic significance for the country. It will be the first time the vote can take place across the entire country after nearly 30 years of one-fifth of its territory being occupied by Armenian forces.
The Azerbaijani authorities prioritized the reconstruction of destroyed cities and infrastructure—roads, bridges, water supplies—that had been reduced to ruins. This reconstruction has been carried out rapidly, and in recent months, the first former residents of Karabakh have finally been able to return to their lands and new homes in rebuilt cities.
For the first time, these residents of Karabakh will be able to vote from their homes. This participation of the once-occupied region in the political life of the country is a true symbol of Azerbaijan's regained unity. This situation paves the way for the return to normal relations and, consequently, prospects for peace. However, the South Caucasus is not yet fully stabilized, partly due to the actions of Armenian nationalists who provoke skirmishes at the border between the two countries and the policies of some neighboring and Western countries that wish to rearm Armenia to maintain a foothold in this geo-strategically important region," he writes.
The author pointed out that through the parliamentary election, Azerbaijan is demonstrating its determination to be the master of its own destiny and not to be swayed by foreign interference. "This is good news and a positive example its neighbors".
"Internationally, these elections represent a significant step forward in the democratic journey of this young nation, which frequently faces criticism from Western media. Unprecedented monitoring efforts and the presence of numerous local and international observers, representing over 40 countries and nearly 30 international organizations, are aimed at ensuring the fairness of the process. A successful election, alongside the anticipated success of CS-29, will further strengthen Azerbaijan's global reputation," the author concludes.