2022 Salvanian general election

Preliminary data*This article contains partial preliminary information and will be changed as time goes on.*

The **2022 Salvanian general election** was held on 1 August 2022 to elect members to the 6th Salvanian parliament following the snap dissolution of parliament after the 2022 Iranian invasion of Salva. The election was called on 1 July 2022, summoning a month long election period. A total of 1830 candidates were registered for the election across all parties, as required by the Board of Elections.

On election day, the Liberal Coalition emerged as the clear winner, securing 218 seats in the 366-seat Magizhatsti, a 27 seat increase from the previous year. This marked the second-largest majority since independence, only behind Asiman Hajiyev's 1999 election victory. The Conservative Front won 88 seats, while the National Party Salva won only 30 seats, a ten-seat decrease from the year prior, making it the third largest party in the Magizhatsti. Closely behind, the Green Party saw a historic increase in seats, more than doubling their 2021 seat count from 11 to 23. The People's Choice saw no change in seats, winning 7.

The parties participating in the election were the ruling Liberal Coalition, the Conservative Front, the National Party Salva, the Green Party, and the People's Choice. The Liberal Coalition, led by incumbent President Mirzy Amirbeyzov, campaigned on a platform of national unity, emphasizing the need for continued recovery and reconstruction efforts following the invasion. The party also pledged to prioritize economic growth, national security, and the promotion of democracy and human rights.

The Conservative Front, the largest opposition party, campaigned on a more conservative and nationalist platform, emphasizing the importance of traditional Salvanian values and the need to preserve the country's cultural heritage. The party also advocated for stricter immigration policies and tighter border controls, while the National Party, the farthest right of the Salvanian parties, campaigned on a platform of nationalist, isolationist, and militarist ideals, along with fiscal conservatism and anti-immigration sentiments. The party's leader, Bilal Ibrahimbeyov, emphasized the importance of Salvanian sovereignty and self-reliance, as well as the need to defend the country from foreign threats, such as Iran.

Campaigning for the election was heavily affected by the conflict with Iran, which had invaded Salva just a month and a half prior to the election. National security and defence were top issues for all parties, with the Liberal Coalition emphasizing its efforts to rebuild the military and strengthen Salva's defence capabilities.

The Green Party, a relatively new party in Salva, campaigned on a platform of environmentalism and sustainable development. The party called for increased investment in renewable energy and conservation efforts, and also emphasized the importance of addressing climate change and protecting the country's natural resources. The People's Choice focused on social and economic issues, including job creation, healthcare, education, and housing, and flagged their support for a review of the military and budget increases.

Amirbeyzov's victory in the election was seen as a vote of confidence in his leadership and his handling of the crisis following the Iranian invasion.

## Background

Prior to the 2022 Salvanian general election, the country had been embroiled in a conflict with neighbouring Iran. On 10 June 2022, the Iranian State had launched an invasion of Salva, which resulted in heavy fighting between the two countries. President Mirzy Amirbeyzov, who had been in office since 2015, led Salva's response to the crisis, working to mobilize the military and coordinate the country's defence efforts.

Despite facing significant challenges, Amirbeyzov's leadership during the conflict was widely praised, with his approval ratings peaking over 80% at the height of the war. In July 2022, Amirbeyzov called for a vote of confidence in parliament, which he subsequently won, solidifying his position as the country's leader.

However, shortly after the confidence vote, Amirbeyzov met with Niblisima I and formally dissolved parliament, calling for a snap election, dissolving his majority government. The move was criticized by some as a political gamble in an attempt to capitalize on his popularity and secure a stronger mandate for his government, however both Amirbeyzov and opposition parties have rejected this.