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Election Date: October 15, 2003

At stake: President

Background

The long-awaited vote in Azerbaijan resulted in the election of the president's son, after months of unexpected political developments in the former Soviet republic.

President Haidar Aliyev—who has ruled the country since 1993—was supposed to seek office once again, but health problems forced him to retire from the contest. Aliyev's long career began in the 1960s, as the region's local Communist Party leader and KGB chief.

The authoritarianism of the Aliyev government has been condemned many times by human rights organizations, and the Council of Europe has chided Azerbaijan for holding political prisoners. The 80-year-old president spent the weeks prior to the election in a Cleveland hospital, receiving treatment for heart and kidney ailments.

According to the country's laws, the prime minister takes over on an interim basis if the head of state dies. In August 2003, the National Assembly appointed Aliyev's son Ilham—already a presidential candidate—as the country's prime minister. Outgoing prime minister Artur Rasi-Zade cited "health reasons" for his unexpected departure.

The younger Aliyev had served as the vice-president of Azerbaijan's state-run oil company, and was elected as vice-president of the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly. On Oct. 2, president Aliyev officially announced his withdrawal from the election, throwing his support behind son Ilham.

The opposition's hopes rested on former political prisoner Isa Gambar of the Equality Party (Musavat). Two exiled politicians were not allowed to run for office. The country's electoral commission rejected the proposed nominations of former National Assembly speaker Rasul Quliyev and former president Ayaz Mutalibov.

International observers alleged intimidation and media bias in favour of Ilham in the days leading up to the ballot. On Oct. 14, Azerbaijanis headed to the voting booths. Official results indicated a victory for the 41-year-old Aliyev, with almost 77.97 per cent of all votes. Gambar was a distant second with little less than 11.91 per cent.

Following the announcement of Ilham's victory, demonstrators camped outside the Equality Party's headquarters in Baku and were subdued by riot police using batons, tear gas and dogs. Reports indicated at least two people died, and more than 50 were injured in the clash. Human Rights Watch accused law enforcement officers of using excessive force.

A day after the election was held, the National Assembly voted to strip Hope Party (Umid) leader Igbal Agazade of his immunity for allegedly inciting the crowd. In a televised message, interior minister Ramil Usubov suggested the possible arrests of other politicians, including Gambar.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) issued a statement, saying the election was not up to international standards.

On Oct. 31, Ilham Aliyev took over as president, re-appointing Rasi-Zade as prime minister. On Dec. 12, Haidar Aliyev died in the United States.

The future of Azerbaijan will most certainly involve oil, as corruption has stopped the country from becoming a full-fledged exporter.

Political Players

President: Ilham Aliyev
Prime minister: Artur Rasi-Zade - YAP

The president is elected to a five-year term by popular vote.

Legislative Branch: The Milli Meclisi (National Assembly) has 125 members, 100 members elected to five-year terms in single-seat constituencies, and 25 members elected by proportional representation.

Results of Last Election:

President - Oct. 25, 2003

National Assembly - Nov. 5, 2000 and Jan. 7, 2001.

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