BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 29. Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsperson) of Azerbaijan Sabina Aliyeva cast her vote at polling station No. 13 of the Nasimi-Sabail electoral district No. 23, the Ombudsperson’s Office told Trend.
After voting, the Ombudsman engaged with the media representatives, discussing in detail the measures taken by her office ahead of the municipal election.
She made it clear that there is a watchful eye on polling stations throughout Azerbaijan and that all essential steps have been taken to guarantee an open and fair voting experience. Aliyeva also highlighted that several stations have ramps in place, enabling individuals with disabilities to cast their votes on their own and without hindrance.
Aliyeva shared that, drawing from positive experiences in previous years, her office, including the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Ombudsman’s Office, is conducting independent election observation on its initiative. This includes monitoring voting at military units, penitentiaries, and other closed institutions.
"The public will be informed about the progress of the election," the press service said.
To note, voting for the municipal election started at all polling stations in Azerbaijan at 08:00 (GMT+4).
A total of 8,071 municipal representatives will be elected in 685 municipalities among 118 electoral districts. There are 5,846 polling booths for municipal election. Among these, 5,734 are permanent positions, and 112 are temporary positions. The number of eligible voters is 5,961,987.
Altogether 70,625 observers were accredited by the Central Election Commission and District Election Commissions for the municipal election. Web cameras have already been installed at 1,000 polling stations.
The voting process will run until 19:00 (GMT+4).
This Azerbaijani municipal election is the first in the country's liberated territories and the sixth overall. The inaugural municipal election in Azerbaijan occurred on December 12, 1999. Consequently, up to 2,660 municipalities (exceeding 21,000 municipal members) were established nationwide. Nineteen members were elected to the largest municipality and five to the smallest municipality.
Municipalities in Azerbaijan are elected for a five-year term. Members of municipalities may be elected by Republic of Azerbaijan citizens who are eligible to vote and permanently reside in the appropriate electoral district.
Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel