01/10/2013 15:29
Sargis Asatrian: Ilham Aliyev clears his path
“Azerbaijan is trying to turn the presidential elections into a show, while numerous presidential candidates were registered in order to show the external audience that there are freedom of expression and the opportunity of alternative elections in Azerbaijan,” Sargis Asatrian, an expert on Azerbaijan, said at a meeting with journalists today.
In his words, the posters of opposition candidates are torn down in streets of Azerbaijani cities, and in this connection some candidates have applied to the Central Election Commission.
“There is such a situation when Ilham Aliyev has managed to focus society’s attention on minor problems and take advantage of the current situation,” Asatrian noted, adding that most presidential candidates in Azerbaijan lack resources and opportunities to become a serious rival to I. Aliyev.
“Ilham Aliyev is clearing his path so as to become president again,” S. Asatrian said.
According to him, in all likelihood Ilham Aliyev will be reelected Azerbaijani president, while his belligerent rhetoric is predictable to Armenia and he will not plunge into adventure.
The presidential elections in Azerbaijan will be held on October 9, 2013.