The Azadlig Election Bloc, which was created in March 2005 by the Musavat, Popular Front and Democratic parties to with the goal of forming a united list of candidates for participation in the parliamentary elections – split in the middle of February 2006. Musavat Party left the Electoral Bloc Azadlig, which was later on transformed to the Political Bloc, aiming at joint struggle against the “authoritarian regime.” (18-FEB-2006)
Musavat Party Leaves Azadlig Bloc
The February decision of Musavat party to participate in the repeated Parliamentary elections of 13 May 2006 became one of the main reasons for disagreement in the Azadlig Block. Musavat was the only party of the Bloc which decided to continue its struggle by participation, while the rest parties decided to boycott the elections as a respond to fraudulent elections of 6 November 2005. 
Explaining their decision, the leader of the Musavat Party Isa Gambar (on the right) has said that the elections are not over yet, because the repeat elections are a part of the Parliamentary Elections and once the decision to take part in elections was taken, it should be implemented to the end. He emphasized that that Musavat party also refused to recognize legitimacy of parliament, but decided to attend parliament sessions to expand forms of political struggle.
Therefore, the Musavat Party has stopped all activity within Azadlig Bloc, due to a campaign of “blackmail and attack” being carried out by the Democratic and Popular Front parties, and mass media sources close to these parties. The campaign began after other members of the Bloc decided not to support Musavat’s decision to participate in the repeat elections on May 13.
Another reason for the split in Azadlig Bloc was the disagreement that arose out of the decision to conduct a sitting-down action during the November 26 rally. At the same time, the party did its best to maintain stability and participate in joint actions with the opposition, Musavat stated.
Electoral Bloc “Azadlig” Transformed into Political Bloc
After a series of meetings of this week (12-19 February) the 4 opposition parties – Popular Front, Democratic Party, one ANIP wing and the National Unity Movement signed an agreement on the 17-th February to establish the political bloc Azadlig (Freedom). The agreement reads that the bloc was set up for a joint struggle against the “authoritarian regime.”
Founders of the bloc are going to work together against election falsification, represent each other in international organizations and contribute to Azerbaijan’s integration into the Euro-Atlantic space. According to the agreement, the bloc will be managed by a General Mejlis and Council of Chairmen. The General Mejlis will determine the bloc’s priority issues and be convened no less than twice a year. The Council of Chairmen will be responsible for its current administration.
