National Assembly (Azerbaijan)

National Assembly (Azerbaijan), known as the Milli Məclis in Azerbaijani, is the unicameral legislature of the Republic of Azerbaijan. It was established following the adoption of the Constitution of Azerbaijan in 1995, succeeding the Supreme Soviet of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic and the transitional National Council of Azerbaijan. The assembly exercises supreme legislative power within the framework defined by the constitution, with its 125 members elected for five-year terms from single-member constituencies across the country, including the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

History

The legislative history of modern Azerbaijan traces its origins to the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which established a parliament in 1918. Following the Red Army invasion of Azerbaijan and the formation of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic, legislative functions were carried out by the Supreme Soviet under the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. After the Dissolution of the Soviet Union and the restoration of independence in 1991, the National Council of Azerbaijan served as an interim body. The current National Assembly was formally constituted on 12 December 1995, after the first parliamentary elections held under the new constitution drafted by the leadership of Heydar Aliyev. Subsequent elections, such as those in 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020, have been held, though often criticized by international observers from organizations like the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

Powers and duties

The National Assembly holds significant authority as outlined in the Constitution of Azerbaijan. Its primary powers include the adoption of laws, approval of the state budget, and confirmation of the Prime Minister upon nomination by the President of Azerbaijan. The assembly also ratifies international treaties, declares war and peace upon the proposal of the president, and approves decrees related to martial law and state of emergency. It has the power to issue amnesties and call for referendums. Furthermore, it exercises oversight over the Cabinet of Ministers and can express a vote of no confidence in the cabinet, although this power is constrained by constitutional provisions that heavily favor the executive branch led by the president.

Composition and electoral system

The National Assembly is composed of 125 deputies elected for a five-year term. Elections are conducted using a first-past-the-post system in 125 single-member constituencies across Azerbaijan, including constituencies within the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. To stand for election, candidates must be citizens of Azerbaijan who are at least 25 years old. The most recent general election was held on 9 February 2020, resulting in a strong majority for the ruling New Azerbaijan Party, which has dominated the legislature since its founding. Other parties represented include the Civic Solidarity Party, the Civil Unity Party, and various smaller opposition parties, alongside a significant number of independent deputies.

Leadership and committees

The presiding officer of the assembly is the Speaker, currently Sahiba Gafarova of the New Azerbaijan Party, who is assisted by a First Deputy Speaker and Deputy Speakers. The leadership organizes the assembly's work and represents it in international relations. The legislative work is primarily carried out through permanent committees, which specialize in key areas of state policy. Major committees include the Committee on Legal Policy and State Building, the Committee on Economic Policy, Industry and Entrepreneurship, the Committee on International and Interparliamentary Relations, the Committee on Defense, Security and Corruption Combat, and the Committee on Social Policy. These committees review draft legislation, conduct hearings, and prepare reports for plenary sessions.

Building

The National Assembly convenes in a dedicated building located in the capital city of Baku. The building is situated in the central district, near other key government institutions. It houses the assembly hall, offices for the speaker and deputies, committee meeting rooms, and administrative facilities. The architecture of the building is a notable landmark in Baku and duties|National Assembly (Azerbaijan)