Politicians and experts on early presidential elections

Baku/07.12.23/Turan: Turan Agency conducted a survey of politicians and experts in connection with the appointment of early presidential elections in Azerbaijan on February 7. Nagif Hamzayev, a member of the ruling “Yeni Azerbaijan” party, MP, told Turan that the previous presidential elections were also extraordinary. “Various and rapid processes are taking place in our region.  Against this background, it is necessary to take operational steps and stay ahead of some processes,” he said. From this point of view, it became necessary to hold early presidential elections.

“The Azerbaijani people have always supported the president, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, and the absolute majority voted for him. “Yeni Azerbaijan” is a winning party and with its candidate, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, we have always won elections,” Hamzayev said.

The victory in the 44-day Patriotic War and the organization of an accelerated return to Karabakh further strengthened the love for President Ilham Aliyev. “From this point of view, it is clear to everyone that Mr. President will win the upcoming elections, and there is no difference when to hold elections a year earlier or a year later,” Hamzayev believes.

The head of the opposition “Musavat” party, Arif Hajili, in an interview with a Turan correspondent, noted that “usually early parliamentary or presidential elections are held when a crisis situation arises in the country to eliminate it.  “There is currently no political crisis in Azerbaijan. At least, that's how it seems,” Hajily said. He believes that calling elections within a short period is ignoring the interests of the Azerbaijani society.  Two months for elections is a very short period for conducting an election campaign, especially when elections are called suddenly. In his opinion, there is no need for early presidential elections.

“If the president saw the need for this, then there are reasons for this unknown to us. Probably, these reasons will become clearer in the coming days,” Hajily said. According to him, “Musavat” will discuss and express its attitude to the elections in the coming days.

The “Republican Alternative” (REAL) party will also discuss this issue at its political committee in the coming days and decide whether to nominate a candidate for early elections or not, said the head of the organization Ilgar Mammadov. “In any case, we will try to attract all voters to the elections,” Mammadov said.

PFPA leader Ali Kerimli believes that the appointment of early elections without preliminary discussions is preparation "for election fraud."  “It is becoming clear why a series of illegal arrests have taken place in recent days, why tensions have been artificially escalated in relations with the United States, the EU and the OSCE.

With these steps, Ilham Aliyev was preparing the ground for facilitating the falsification of elections. In an environment of total repression, isolation from the democratic world, he decided suddenly to arrange staged elections, held even without minimal opportunities (for competitors). Through another falsification, he wants to extend his power even further,” Kerimli believes.  Kerimli considers “the probability of the imminent military defeat of Aliyev's ally, the Putin regime,” another reason for the early elections.

Azer Gasimli, director of the Institute of Political Management, believes that holding presidential elections 15 months ahead of schedule indicates that “the head of state is not confident in himself.” “This year, economic growth in Azerbaijan was the fastest in the CIS. Social tension is growing in the country and it is likely to reach a peak next year.  “They failed to turn the Karabakh victory into legitimacy and public support. There are no trump cards in the hands of the authorities to use in foreign policy,” Gasimli said.

“It is significant that the snap elections are scheduled for the day after the meeting with Assistant Secretary of State O'Brien. Apparently, it became clear at the meeting that tensions between the Azerbaijani and US authorities would increase. Considering the repressions of recent months, we can assume that they will continue next year," Gasimli said.

The head of the Institute of Civil Rights Bashir Suleymanli connects the extraordinary elections in Azerbaijan with the presidential elections in the Russian Federation, to be held on March 17.

This connection is due to the recent events in the South Caucasus and the confrontation of the world's centers of power. Perhaps the Azerbaijani authorities want to insure themselves, he believes. -16/06B-