Succession in politics: 26 years that changed Azerbaijans' fate and face

People supported succession in politics by electing Ilham Aliyev their leader

The people of Azerbaijan made another historical choice in October 2003. The new leader of the new century, President Ilham Aliyev came to steer the government after winning 76,8 per cent of the votes as a result of this choice, which came from great confidence in the political course of the great leader.

The 16 years since then have entered into our newest history as a period of unprecedented progress and fundamental reforms in all the areas of life. Azerbaijan is a leader country in the post-Soviet area due to the indictors of socio-political stability and economic competitiveness. This period is also characteristic of macroeconomic stability, economic growth, dynamics of social security, efficiency of public administration and other important factors.

Please, compare the theses in the speech by President Ilham Aliyev at his oath taking ceremony 16 years ago in October 2003 with the real picture of today. This comparison sets forth the realities of life and the unity of words and deeds without any comments:

- Azerbaijan will follow the path determined by great leader Heydar Aliyev…

- we will continue the oil strategy of the great leader and we will comprehensively develop our country in a short time…

- a strong army has been created in our country and this process will continue…

- I believe in the happy future of Azerbaijan. I am sure that our country will further develop, will become stronger and will turn into a modern state…

Now, let’s return and have a look at nowadays. All the areas without any exception have been developed and are developing in our country. Azerbaijan has turned into a rich and powerful state thanks to the successful continuation of the oil strategy. According to international ratings, the Azerbaijani army is among the most powerful armies of the world today. As for the scale of the reforms, the World Bank included Azerbaijan in the list of the most reformist 20 countries in its report.

Our President himself is the initiator of most projects and reforms underway in the country. "ASAN Xidmət" which is in the realm of interest of the entire world, is his idea.

Being a charismatic leader with modern mindset, who takes right and timely decisions, President Ilham Aliyev is also notable in his activities for the unity of words and deeds. We can bring enough examples to prove it.

In a nutshell, the past 16 years have been written down in our history as the chronicle of the magnificent triumph. Other key milestones, which are the glory of Heydar Aliyev’s policy, such as the signing of the New Contract of the Century, Azerbaijan’s improved reputation in the world, continuous implementation of transnational energy and transport projects, release of three satellites into the orbit, provision of the freedom of expression and press take a special place in this chronicle.

The fact that Ilham Aliyev gained more than 85 per cent of the votes in the last presidential election is indicative of the people’s great confidence in their leader.