Baku, Aug 31: Police in Azerbaijan beat up supporters of the Democratic Party as they attempted to hold a rally ahead of presidential elections. Dozens of supporters of Azerbaijan's Democratic Party took to the streets ahead of presidential elections. But they weren't given a chance to hold a rally, as security officers beat them back from a main square with clubs. Groups of officers chased opposition supporters through the streets of the capital, Baku. Some protesters were arrested. At one point policemen even locked a man inside a garage before letting him out and beating him. The October fifteenth presidential elections are set to be a race between the ruling Aliyev family and an array of opposition groups. The leading candidate is current ruler Haydar Aliyev, a Soviet-era regional leader who has embraced market reforms.


His political skills and ability to adapt to changing conditions earned him the grudging respect of even his most implacable foes. But they do accuse him of human rights abuses and setting back democracy.


As the 80 year old leader's health has been shaky for some years, and he is currently hospitalised, many expect his son will emerge as the main candidate.


Currently Prime Minister, Ilham Aliyev has been groomed for some time by his father as a successor. But critics say the man who once had a playboy reputation lacks his father's self-discipline and commitment. The opposition now hopes the moment has come for democratic change.


Bureau Report