October 15, 2003 will enter history as the day of first Presidential elections of independent Azerbaijan in the 21st century. On this day, thousands of voters are coming to polling stations and make their choice for the upcoming five years giving their votes, faith of the state to the most worthy and deserving nominee. All conditions according to a newly adopted Election Code have been created for people to use their right for voting freely. This fact has been approved before the Election Day by about one thousand of foreign observers, who arrived in Azerbaijan to monitor the elections.

A special atmosphere was observed at polling station No 6 of 29th Sabail district Election commission situated in the building of secondary school No 6.

Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, Presidential contender Ilham Aliyev came to the polling station at 11 a.m. with his wife and daughter to vote. The head of the government of Azerbaijan was greeted and presented with flowers in front of the polling station.

Tens of foreign and local mass media organs were covering the moment when Prime Minister took the ballot and pulled it down to the ballot box.

Further, Prime Minister Ilham Aliyev answered the questions of foreign and local mass media at the polling station:

Q: Mr. Ilham Aliyev, we would like to know your thoughts about the elections. What is your attitude to the election campaign?

A: My attitude is positive. The campaigning completed successfully. I am sure that the elections have become a very important step for the happy future of Azerbaijan. I wished that our country turned into a powerful and rich state, that every citizen of Azerbaijan deserved normal life. I am sure it will be like this.

Q: Mr. Ilham Aliyev, how do you feel?

A: I feel perfect, and moods are good. I am sure that the elections will be an important step on the way of development of the society, raising of people’s welfare and strengthening of our statehood.

Q: Mr. Prime Minister, who have you voted for?

A: I voted for happy future of Azerbaijan.

Q: Mr. Ilham Aliyev, are you satisfied with the course of the elections?

A: Yes, I am.

Q: Have you talked to President Heydar Aliyev this morning?

A: No, I have not yet, because of the time difference, it is night there. Yesterday we had conversation. We are in contact nearly every day. It is 3 a.m. there at the moment. Later I will be in touch with him.

Q: Has he advised something or blessed you?

A: He gave me some advices earlier. I think he will wish me success today.

Q: Mr. President, does he have any concerns over these elections?

A: No, he has no. I told about it. He is following all processes going on here by means of the Internet, watches Azerbaijani TV channels and has idea about everything.

Q: Mr. Ilham Aliyev, can we know about your first step?

A: If I am shown trust, all my steps, first one and next ones will be directed to the strengthening of sovereignty and independence, economic development, solution of social problems, especially improving living conditions of refugees, displaced people, resolution of the problem over Nagorny Karabakh fairly and according to the international norms.

Q: Today’s press has released different information on conditions of the President. How does he feel?

A: He feels well. His treatment is going on. I would advise you not to pay attention to all other information.

Q: Do you expect that President will be back until the day of inauguration?

A: I hope that the President will be back until that time. Of course, everything depends on his treatment.

Q: Mr. Ilham Aliyev, are you satisfied with activeness of the population at the elections?

A: Yes, I am. According to the information, I have, and to TV reports, I can say that people show high activeness; a big part of the population has already expressed its will in the morning. It is natural. Today we determine the future of Azerbaijan, the way of its movement. Of course, people understand it and it is natural.

Q: What steps are you going to take related the press of Azerbaijan?

A: All steps taken will be directed to the freedom of speech, further development of democracy. It is related to the press as well. At the moment I cannot tell you something concrete and will not give any promises. However, I am sure that all actions will take further into account Azerbaijan’s national interests.

Q: Mr. Aliyev, are you sure you will win in the first tour?

A: I would not like to appraise my chances or chances of any other nominee ahead; I do not think it is correct. I would not advise to anyone to state on results before time. Nevertheless, I would like to say that taking into account campaigning and attitude of people towards me, it makes me to hope that this fact will find its reflection in results of voting. Azerbaijan needs peace, stability, economic development, and integration into world community. The state does not need be back to civil war, chaos, anarchy and obscurity.

Q: Mr. Prime Minister, Georgia wants your victory as well. How do you comment this?

A: Thank you. I express gratitude to people of Georgia. The relationships between our countries, mutual understanding and friendly attitude will be developing in the name of people’s welfare.

Q: We would like to know you thoughts about the course of elections until now.

A: Pre-electoral campaign was held in free, transparent situation, everyone was able to express his attitude. I am sure that the elections are being held in free and democratic conditions, people of Azerbaijan will express freely their will.

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Voting is going on at the polling station. Local observers are monitoring the course of elections. A member of OSCE monitoring group, reporter of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Martines Kassan visited that station.

As well as everywhere else, people coming to the polling station No 6 of 29th Sabail district election commission and giving their votes for bright future, strengthening of statehood, stability and security.