According to election specialist Mammad Mammadzade, "the Election Code stipulates that the election date must be announced at least 60 days prior to the voting day."

Although municipal elections in Azerbaijan are scheduled for December this year, the Central Election Commission (CEC) has not announced the election date.

Mammadzade emphasizes that a decision regarding the December elections should be made in October. He points out that failing to meet this deadline undermines citizens' rights to choose and be elected, as Article 56 of the Constitution outlines. Additionally, it could be seen as a violation of several provisions in the Election Code.

Mammadzade further highlights the significance of public participation during the 60-day election process involving political parties, civil society representatives, and candidates. Delays in announcing the election date infringe upon their rights and limit participation in the electoral process, hindering effective campaigning.

M. Mammadzade states that while the Central Election Commission (CEC) is independent, it should still be accountable. 

"The CEC does not provide informative reports to candidates, civil society representatives, and political parties regarding the reasons for election delays. However, in general, postponing an election is not legally permissible. There are no provisions for postponing elections in either the Constitution or the Election Code," he adds.

"Abzas Media" attempted to contact the CEC to clarify this issue, but our calls went unanswered, and the institution's press service did not respond to our submitted questions.