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The call for snap presidential elections in Azerbaijan may be explained with external and internal factors, orientalist Vardan Voskanyan told a press conference on Thursday, suggesting Aliyev chose the timing of presidential elections deliberately to coincide with the Russian presidential elections slated for March. Voskanyan believes Azerbaijani president seeks to avert possible difficulties, as much of the world attention will be drawn by Russia.

In Voskanyan's words, over the years Aliyev have successfully sidelined the opposition, yet the vacuum has been filled with religious opposition with the Shia groups emerged as the most powerful backed by Iran at the propaganda level at least.

The change of the elections date, per the speaker, is notable in the context of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement as well. "They have probably analyzed and concluded holding elections is April is more favorable for them. Armenia moves to a parliamentary form of government, and Aliyev perhaps seeks to complete the political process at home to be on par with the Armenian side for the talks," Voskanyan suggested.

The expert brought forward another version, that as he put goes no beyond assumption. Aliyev might have received the advice for a shift from a third power center, yet admitting the Azerbaijani authorities maintain unease relations with all such centers - Russia, the U.S, Middle East, the West with the only exception of Israel with whom Azerbaijan enjoys close ties.

"I think it is groundless to link the possible start of military actions with any development in Azerbaijan, since the war has never ceased and continues at various domains wherever there are clash of interests between the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides," concluded the expert.