Oqtay Sadikhzade: "Social aspect has won over the ideological during presidential elections in Azerbaijan"

"The results of voting showed that people support the political economic and social course of Ilham Aliyev", said independent political scientist Oqtay Sadikhzade.

According to him, the opposition campus could demonstrate its power, for its representatives have gained over 10% of votes. He said the elections were held without complications, without significant violations, falsifications and violations of voters rights.

"Most people decided not to risk and stake on powers and Ilham Aliyev. It means that elections proved that the socioeconomic aspects became more urgent for people as compared to the political component of the society.

Such high percentage of votes gained by Ilham Aliyev prove people's trust towards him, which gives him a card blanche. These votes are for continuation of the policy of the previous 5 years", said he and added that the president must hold structural reforms in his staff policy, get rid of those officials, whose work does not meet standards of the 21st century and contemporary Azerbaijani society. He stressed importance of initiating a dialogue of opposition to gain wider public support.

As for opposition candidates, he said a part of opposition electorate - mostly supporters of Musavat - voted for Igbal Aghazade and another part -supporters of the Popular Front - for Gulamhuseyn Alibeyli and Gudrat Hasanquliyev. He noted that everything was expected there, however, if all candidates gain less than 3% of votes, they will have to return money for agitation campaign to the state. As regards Fuad Aliyev and Hafiz Hajiyev, he said their participation could not be called a defeat. "Merely, these politicians have not wide support of population, their political and economic platform is not known to the people, it was introduced not skillfully, there was no propaganda and people did not familiarize with their ideas. But the fact that these politicians could collect 40,000 signatures is a great success, for the Liberal-Democratic Party of Azerbaijan took part in the elections for the first time and this can be called a real success.

He said no new political technologies were applied during the elections. As regards the agitation campaign of the Yeni Azerbaijan party, he said the party held a good PR, in particular, a good concert immediately after the elections and a motor rally of supporters and noted that it seems to be prepared in advance as the steering issues, connected with the concert, can not be settled within 40 minutes.

"Life does not stop on elections. We will have municipal elections in 2009 and parliamentary in 2010, repeated parliamentary elections are possible, while presidential elections will be held in 2013... Life is going on.

Parties will also start preparations for municipal and parliamentary elections, unite into bloc in an attempt to use their chances in Milli Medjlis.

By the way, I am sure that municipal and especially parliamentary elections will be more interesting that presidential and the powers and opposition are already looking forward for them", concluded the political scientist.

/Day.Az/