the opposition criticized the appointment, calling it an "undemocratic power grab". Observers also pointed to the ongoing concentration of power within the ruling elite as a concern for Azerbaijan's political future.

Ilham Aliyev sought for the presidency in the October 2003 election, but Azerbaijan's election law prohibited him from doing so while serving as prime minister. As a result, he remained in the position, but his duties were temporarily assumed by Artur Rasizade,