Azernews.Az

President Ilham Aliyev, who was re-elected for a second term on Wednesday, surpassed the expectations of Azerbaijani citizens even prior to the elections, during five years of his presidency. This opinion is shared by the overwhelming majority of the people.
Even prior to the election race, it became clear to everyone that there is absolutely no alternative to Ilham Aliyev. Therefore, unlike in previous years, public uproar, tense struggle and widespread opposition protests on the streets have not taken place this time. This was due to the fact that the people, whose living standards are increasingly improving, are content with their president… Aliyev, who pledged to be "every Azerbaijani citizen`s president" five years ago, has undoubtedly accomplished this. Since then, Azerbaijan has turned into the fastest-growing economy in the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Moreover, President Aliyev is successfully pursuing an independent foreign policy. With the exception of Armenia, which has been occupying over 20% of Azerbaijan`s internationally-recognized territory since the early 1990s, Azerbaijan maintains normal relations with countries around the world. The broad public in the country has been convinced that President Aliyev, in his addresses at the United Nations, the Council of Europe and other international organizations, and in meetings with other leaders, is worthily defending Azerbaijan`s interests and conveying his nation`s fair cause to the world community.
Voters, and even teens, who are not old enough to vote yet, realize that there is no alternative politician who matches President Aliyev`s intellect, profound knowledge, advanced analytical skills, and far-sighted policy. Despite being young, he has gained extensive experience in the area of governance. These skills are not based upon the knowledge gained in educational institutions alone.
As the head of state, he always proceeds along the chosen path, while taking into account the changing situation.
The success achieved by Azerbaijani athletes at the latest three Olympics Games, the opening of industrial and production facilities across the country, the work done to provide amenities in cities and villages, the construction of roads, schools and hospitals, and sports complexes -- all of these accomplishments can be attributed to President Aliyev. He regularly visits the country`s regions and meets with rank-and-file citizens to hear out their concerns and wishes. This is what they say about him: "While inheriting a robust personality, the secrets of politics and skills to govern a country from his father, he inherited kind-heartedness, humanism and love for people around him from his mother…"
Ilham Aliyev is a president of the new era, a president of Azerbaijan`s future. He is leading his nation to a bright future along the complicated mazes of politics at a time of upheaval in the world… He has lit a ray of hope and raised self-confidence of the persevering and patient nation, which experienced major tragedies in the last century. Azerbaijanis believe that they will regain their historical land from Armenian-Russian occupation under President Aliyev`s leadership, while corruption, which emerged at a time the country was facing tough times, will be uprooted.
It is beyond a shadow of doubt that Ilham Aliyev has gained the love and respect of his people, which is the greatest source of power for a leader.