Political commentator Murad Sadeddinov answered the questions of the secki-2024.az website regarding the presidential elections scheduled for February 7 in Azerbaijan.

The extraordinary presidential elections scheduled for February 7, 2024, are presently considered to have great importance for the future development of Azerbaijan. What is meant by great importance?

- One of the most important tasks facing the people and state of Azerbaijan has been successfully completed before these elections, and our territorial integrity has been ensured. Now we are on the verge of starting new stages of development both politically and socio-economically. There are serious factors that determine this development. On one hand, it is observed that international security mechanisms are losing their importance in today’s world. Therefore, in the face of modern challenges, the development concepts of our country that are in line with the requirements of the time should be realized. In this context, the February 7 presidential elections are a political event of exceptional importance for the future of Azerbaijan. These elections mark the beginning of a new chapter for our nation. A new era is opening before us, and I am sure that our people will gain new achievements by showing unity in this era as well.

For the first time, presidential elections are held in all sovereign territories of Azerbaijan, including our lands liberated from Armenian occupation. What important points, in your opinion, does this fact stipulate for Azerbaijan?

- First of all, I want to say that for many years we have very seriously suffered from the occupation of our lands, both in moral, socio-economic and other aspects. This time, the presidential elections in Azerbaijan will be held for the first time in all our sovereign territories. This fact stipulates that after the February 7 elections, Azerbaijan will set new priorities in both its domestic and foreign policy. Of course, the approaches to Azerbaijan in the international world will be different from now on. Therefore, we should be ready for both positive and negative external influences in relation to the realization of new priorities due to the opportunities created by ensuring our territorial integrity. We have enough power for that.

How do you assess the democratic election environment in Azerbaijan on the eve of February 7 elections?

- The election process is carried out in accordance with the principles reflected in the Constitution of Azerbaijan and international documents to which we have joined. The electoral environment is suitable for holding democratic elections. On February 7, any citizen of Azerbaijan can go and vote secretly and choose any candidate. Necessary opportunities have been created for the candidates to present their platforms, promote and campaign based on the principle of fairness. International observers have been invited, and they can visit any polling station both on the eve of the election and on the day of the election, and get acquainted with the process there. All these mentioned confirm that the election environment in Azerbaijan is quite democratic.

How do you think what level of voter turnout will be on Election Day?

- I think that Azerbaijani voters will take an extremely active part in these elections. Because these are the first presidential elections after our historic Victory in the 44-day war. The people of Azerbaijan united like a fist for the sake of that victory and achieved their goals I am confident that we will demonstrate unity and solidarity in the elections again.