Crisis within Azerbaijan's opposition hampers preparations for municipal elections: opposition newspaper's chief editor

"Unfortunately, the crisis became known prior to the elections. If it would appear a little earlier, some new groups could be established, but now contrary processes are going on, and there is a need to reconsider relationship between the parties that were allies for several months," the editor-in-chief of Yeni Musavat newspaper Rauf Arifoglu said.

Movement for Karabakh and Republic was established by Azerbaijani People Front, Party of Citizen and Development, Liberal party, Azerbaijani Democratic party, Musavat party, Umid party, as well as several public organizations in connection the referendum on additions and amendments to the Constitution which took place on March 18, 2009.

According to Arifoglu, the crisis within the opposition hampers preparations for the municipal elections.

"As a result, chances of opposition in any case have reduced. I have observed that the opposition camp does not seriously prepare for municipal elections. One of the main reasons is that municipal elections is not considered as principle election. Because the powers of municipalities are informally delegated to the executive authorities," said the editor-in-chief.

As regards to the possibility of new opposition parties, as the present ones can not influence the political processes in the country, the editor-in-chief said that nobody prevents the appearance of new forces in Azerbaijan.

"The scene is empty in certain sense. I also do not intend to create any political organization under this situation. My main goal is to preserve and develop the Yeni Musavat newspaper, strengthen its leadership," said Arifoglu.

According to the editor-in-chief, it is possible that in future the situation will change.

"In any case, I have my own political interests and certain image. Therefore, it is possible that in future I will present my goals and interests. But yet I remain an active member of the Musavat Party like those who participated in its re-establishment. I try to support and consider it my moral duty in any situation to take the side of the party," said Arifoglu.

/Trend News/