Expert on the development of political processes in 2019

Baku / 04.01.19 / Turan: There are no normal relations between the government and the opposition in Azerbaijan, Nasimi Mammadli, political expert of the Civil Society Platform, said in an interview with the "Cətin Sual" ("Difficult Question") program of the Turan agency.

As a result of the constitutional referendum held in 2002, a number of amendments were made to the legislation restricting the participation of parties in political life.

On the other hand, there is no political pluralism in the country and parties are limited in communicating their views and programs to the public.

"Where there are no genuine elections, it"s impossible to talk about opposition to the authorities. There can be opposition to the regime. At the same time, there can be no dialogue between the regime and the opposition. In Azerbaijan, one cannot talk about normal relations between the government and the opposition," said Mammadli.

As for the forecast for 2019, in his opinion, tensions will continue.

"In non-free countries, it"s difficult to make political predictions, because the processes can proceed covertly, and events can evolve unpredictably," Mammadli said.

He did not rule out the likelihood of early parliamentary elections in 2019. Amendments to the Constitution in the 2016 referendum and subsequent changes allow the authorities to hold extraordinary parliamentary elections.

The expert does not expect an improvement in the situation regarding political prisoners, freedom of expression and the state of the press. Pressure from the government on civil society will continue, he said.

Mammadli does not expect positive steps in relations between Azerbaijan and European institutions. "Most likely, 2019 will be the year of lost opportunities," concluded the expert. -06D -