IRFS condemns decision to hold early presidential elections in Azerbaijan | ARMENPRESS Armenian News Agency 17:46, 7 February, 2018 YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. The Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS) strongly condemns the call by Azerbaijan's President Aliyev for an early presidential election for 11 April 2018. Serious electoral flaws and ongoing human rights abuses by the Azerbaijani government undermine any meaningful prospect of free and fair elections, ARMENPRESS reports the organisation said. IRFS believes that President Aliyev, who has been in office since 2003, has intentionally abused his official powers to secure an absolute advantage for himself or his potential successor. The ruling New Azerbaijan Party earlier declared it would nominate Aliyev for the presidency again, potentially extending his rule to 2025. The election was previously scheduled for 17 October. By giving the country eight weeks warning in a threatening environment hostile to free speech and genuine political participation, President Aliyev created an uneven playing filed for candidates and made vibrant political discourse almost impossible. .