Rasim Musabekov: election in Azerbaijan proceeded in a calm atmosphere

The parliamentary elections held in Azerbaijan last weekend have become widely-discussed event. Our Vestnik Kavkaza news agency correspondent asked Mr. Rasim Musabekov, a political scholar and a newly-elected Member of Parliament, to share his opinions about this campaign.

- We congratulate you on becoming a Member of Parliament! How can you comment on the campaign?

- I was so involved in the process as a candidate, it's hard for me to analyze the campaign in general. I should say the elections proceeded in a calm atmosphere; there were no emergency situations, no vehement political fights. From this point of view the 2005 campaign was much more tumultuous.

- What's the reason for this change? 

- The reason is that there is no real alternative to the ruling party, no elaborated programs, only rhetoric, but no one is interested in that.

- What can you say about the agreement signed between the parties that entered the Parliament?

- It's not an agreement, but a memorandum issued as a result of the campaign. It was predictable.