ELECTION CAMPAIGN IN AZERBAIJAN BECOMES MORE AND MORE RIVETING

Saturday Azeri Central Election Committee confirmed Heydar Aliyev as a presidential contender for the election to be held in October. A day before his son Ilham was officially registered. As the Russian press writes, the presidential campaign in Azerbaijan is becoming more and more intriguing. First, the analysts point out the fact that in the history of independent Azerbaijan the Central Election Committee has never registered such a great number of presidential contenders – there are already 19 of them – and this number may increase. President Heydar Aliyev, his son Ilham, leader of Musavat party Isa Gambar and leader of the Azeri National Independence party Etibar Mamedov are among the main candidates. Second, it is still unclear whether acting president Heydar Aliyev, who has twice for the last several months undergone treatment in Gulhane military medical academy in Ankara thus provoking various rumors, will be able to participate in the election. For instance, “Yeni Musavat” opposition newspaper spread information that Heydar Aliyev fell into coma. And last but not least, the political scientists and observers are still lost in conjectures concerning the fact who from the Aliyevs’ dynasty will continue his way till the end. Ilham Aliyev himself immediately after his registration stated: “Heydar Aliyev will be the president and my registration as a candidate will effort me the opportunity to spread propaganda in favor of the acting president”.