Baku bars Islamic parties from poll

The Republic of Azerbaijan bans several Islamic parties from running in the upcoming parliamentary elections in another sign of the Baku government’s religious discrimination.

Media reports say hundreds of candidates have been refused registration by the election commissions either due to improper documentation or for their religious.

Some 719 candidates have registered to compete for 125 seats in the highest legislative body of the country, the Milli Majlis, The Georgian Daily reported.

This comes months after the Baku government ordered all state employees to remove Islamic symbols from their offices in Baku and other major towns.

The order came after violent security forces clashed with hundreds of Islamic activists which resulted in several injuries.

However, sources say candidates are increasingly using religious symbols to gain voter support.

Many believe the slow delivery of social services in the predominantly Muslim country by the so-called secular government has led to the growing popularity of religious figures.

Shias constitute more than 80 percent of the overall Muslim population in Azerbaijan.

Polls show approval rating of the Baku government has dropped due to its proximity to the Israeli regime over the past months.

The Baku government has on many occasions ordered the closure of mosques and religious centers, resulting in massive demonstration.

In September, Azerbaijan security forces arrested dozens of people participating in Quds Day demonstrations — which are held on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan.