IZVETIYA - TOPICAL ATTACHMENT

The Izvestiya newspaper of September 25, issued a topical attachment dedicated to the Presidential Election in Azerbaijan. AzerTaj offers these materials in part:

IZVETIYA - TOPICAL ATTACHMENT

October 15th is the day of Presidential Election. We are in the middle of pre-electoral race. Everyone has his own tribune. Everyone presents its program. Everyone has a right of presenting his ideas freely and criticize the authorities.

Azerbaijan is lucky. It has such well-known and strong leader as Heydar Aliyev. Quite responsible leaders have been brought up at his expense in the country. Members of Heydar Aliyev’s team are young, industrious, patriotic, well-educated and first of all people taking care of national interest of the country and aware of nuances of international politics.

These people are not accidental participants of political life of the country. These people, having come to serve the state, recommended themselves as politicians thinking about the future of the country, protecting the achievement of the young state.

This team has managed to show its best features during the period of President’s absence from the country because of his treatment. Despite of pre-electoral struggle this team is patiently working on.

Stability has been preserved in the country. Why?

This issue of Izvertiya-Azerbaijan contains the views of Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Clerical office sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh and Baku and Caspian Bishop father Alexander on the reasons of stability in the country.

The other important question is what programs do political parties go to the election with?

Izvestiya-Azerbaijan offers pre-electoral platform of the Yeni Azerbaijan Party.

WHAT DOES THE NATION THINK?

Results of the poll held among city inhabitants

Pre-electoral campaign on the eve of Presidential election of October 15 is going on to its full capacity: TV speeches, TV debates, release of agitation materials, trips to regions and other formats representing the contenders to voters. Which of politicians has more chances?

“Sel” information-analytical center held a poll among inhabitants of Baku and Sumgait. Some 500 responders took part in the poll, 55 percent of which are women, 57 percent - youth, representing different professions, scientists, unemployed and housewives. The results of the poll are given below:

I. Which of the following politicians are going to vote for?

1. H. Aliyev or I. Aliyev -61,7 percent

2. L. Shovkat - 8,7 percent

3. E. Mammadov - 8,2 percent

4. I. Gambar - 7,4 percent

5-6. A. Kerimli - 5 percent

5-6.Y. Oguz - 5 percent

7. S. Rustamkhanli - 2,3 percent

8. Э.Ismaэlov-1 percent

9. G.Hasanguliyev - 0,3 percent

10-11. H.Hajiyev -0,2 percent

10-11. A.Samadov- 0,2 percent

Analysis of experts: Real political steps, international and domestic support, as well as professional agitation materials raised the rating of nominees of the authorities. In comparison with the previous month, the rating has raised by 10 percent. Balanced ideas expressed by I. Aliyev on TV; debates held by H. Aliyev’s and I. Aliyev’s agents raised trust among responders. Ilham Aliyev’s activities, meetings held as Prime Minister should be added to this impression.

II. What do you think, is it possible to raise political rating by means of meetings?

a) Yes - 25 percent

b) No - 71 percent

c) Difficult to respond - 4 percent.

Analysis of experts: Azerbaijani voters prefer promises able to bring real results. Mass actions do not seem acceptable for getting success at the election.

Source: ‘Sel” information - analytical and poll center