Azerbaijan - opposition rallies to be held this afternoon

Opposition rallies are set to take place today in Baku ahead of presidential elections.

The opposition coalition, the National Council of Democratic Forces (NCDF), is set to hold a rally in Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, today.

The rally, which will take place in the city's Yasamal district from 16:00 to 18:00 local time, comes ahead of keenly anticipated presidential elections, set for 9 October. The NCDF has held a number of rallies in Baku in late September in support of its presidential candidate, Camil Hasanli, after its original candidate, Rustam Ibragimbekov, was ruled ineligible.

These have typically taken place in Yasamal, as authorities have refused to sanction events in the city centre or in prominent public spaces. Nevertheless, participation has increased steadily in recent weeks and the upcoming rally is anticipated to be attended by thousands.

Despite this, the incumbent president Ilham Aliyev is expected to be re-elected. Aliyev, who succeeded his father, Heydar, in 2003, has displayed little tolerance for dissent and opposition gatherings are often banned or dispersed by security forces. Precedence suggests that the upcoming rally will take place without incident, but all unauthorised election-related gatherings or demonstrations are likely to be dispersed.

RPS Partnership advises travellers in Azerbaijan to avoid all politically motivated gatherings as a precaution and they should monitor domestic developments closely, particularly on voting day and shortly after the announcement of election post 9th October (next Wednesday) results.

Source: Red 24

Photos: Lonely Planet and Natiional Geographic