Early presidential election to enable Aliyev to prepare for new war  against Armenia with `people`s mandate` - expert 

ArmInfo. Yesterday was full of several important events, one of which - the presidential election  in Azerbaijan - has been commented on by expert in Turkic studies Varuzhan Geghamyan.

He recalled that early presidential elections in Azerbaijan will be  held on February 7, 2024, although they were originally planned for  2025. "This circumstance came as a surprise to many, but what is the  reason and what do we get from this? I'll immediately note that, in  my opinion, there are several reasons. They have both internal and  external contexts and are closely interconnected. First of all,  Aliyev must be able to capitalize on the victory in Artsakh while it  is still very fresh in public memory.

Taking into account the fact that many socio-economic and political  problems in Azerbaijan have not been resolved in any way, therefore,  in order to avoid as much public resistance and tension as possible,  which always accompanies any elections, even in the most dictatorial  country, for Aliyev new elections and the inevitable victory in them  will guarantee power for another 7 years. In these elections, thanks  to his victory in Artsakh, Aliyev is unlikely to need election fraud,  since there is high public support, and the opposition's issues have  been resolved and are being resolved," the political scientist noted.

He added that early elections are an opportunity to hold them as soon  as possible in the occupied territory of Artsakh, thereby once again  "legitimizing" the "Azerbaijani government" in Artsakh. "This will  allow us to say that the occupied population of Artsakh elected a new  government in the person of Aliyev. After the elections, Aliyev,  being re-elected, will have the opportunity to engage in the process  of transfer of power after him from a strong position, legitimately  and without haste (about the same thing Erdogan is doing now after  the last elections). In addition, this will give Aliyev the  opportunity to prepare for a new war against Armenia with "the  mandate of the people" without unnecessary tension. I must note that  this preparation is in full swing," Geghamyan noted.

The political scientist pointed out that the situation in Ukraine is  moving towards an inevitable freeze or even complete completion.  However, the struggle between the different poles involved does not  end.  "Therefore, there is a high probability that the South Caucasus  will become the main theater of conflict in the coming months, which  will lead to an increase in the volume of external interventions. In  these conditions, it is important for Aliyev to strengthen his  position as quickly as possible through new elections, which will  also limit the possible intervention or influence of external players  (for example, Russia, USA, Iran) for elections in their own  interests. In 2024, new elections will be held in Russia (March) and  the USA (November). They are important for the South Caucasus, too.  Therefore, Aliyev needs to resolve his own issues in advance , so  that he can fully prepare for various kinds of developments and work  with the elites of both countries to obtain a pro-Azerbaijani policy.  In short, 2024 will be a decisive year for Armenia and the region.  Aliyev understands this. And, of course, he is preparing. What about  us?" the political scientist concluded.