Azerbaijani Opposition Leader Voices Concern Over Potential for Confrontation in Baku

As power in Azerbaijan shifts from President Heidar Aliyev to his son Ilham, a pressing issue for the ruling elite in Baku is how to handle the presidential election scheduled for October 15. Already, the Aliyev administration has stepped up harassment of opposition presidential challengers. [For additional information see the Eurasia Insight archive]. Isa Gambar, head of the Musavat Party and one of Heidar Aliyev's most prominent critics, told EurasiaNet that he expects pressure to build on the Azerbaijani opposition in the coming weeks and months. He adds that the risk of a political confrontation is rising in Baku. Gambar spoke to EurasiaNet before the announcement that Ilham had been appointed prime minister, paving the way for him to succeed his father in the event that the elder Aliyev succumbs to illness. The text of the interview follows.

EurasiaNet: What do you think about the recent pressures put on opposition leaders? Do you think such pressure will increase as the election date draws closer?
Gambar: Opposition leaders were under constant pressure during the whole 10-year period of Heidar Aliyev's rule, and the harassment never abated. Now, as the election approaches, pressure is getting more intense. And it's felt not only by the opposition leaders, but also by the members of the opposition parties and their supporters. The level of harassment will rise in the period preceding the upcoming election.