Gülnoza Ismayilova, a member of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Uzbekistan, has responded to the questions of secki-2024.az regarding the presidential elections scheduled for February 7 in Azerbaijan.

What is the importance of presidential elections for a country? What do the elections promise, especially for the future of the state and its economic development?

- In modern democratic states, elections are the basis of the principle of democracy, and at the same time, elections are the main form of expression of citizens' will. Voting in elections allows you to exercise the right to participate in the management of the affairs of society and the state. The source of decision-making is the people. Presidential elections are one of the most important political events in a country, their results determine the course of the political leadership and affect the political and economic life of a country. Presidential elections have an important effect on the future of the state. The president of a country solves the main issues of security and social policy, and at the same time is the leading force of the country's domestic and foreign policy. The presidential elections in Azerbaijan are of strategic importance because the results determine the leader who can influence the main decisions in the field of economy, domestic and foreign policy. Election results also affect investments, trade development and diplomatic relations, which significantly determine the future and economic development of the country.

For the first time, Azerbaijan is going to the presidential elections as a state that has fully restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty. This is a first in the history of independent Azerbaijan. From this point of view, what important meaning do you think these elections can have for our country?

 - This is a historical moment. As your country faces new challenges and opportunities after the restoration of territorial integrity, the presidential election is of crucial importance. The elected leader will play a key role in the formation of the strategy for the restoration and development of the regions, as well as in the strengthening of Azerbaijan's positions on the world scale. This election can determine the course of the country's history in a new era. The economic, social and political reforms carried out in Azerbaijan, including in the field of state-building and administration, create conditions for revealing the country's full potential.

What sincere wishes would you like to express to the people of Azerbaijan, who will hold extraordinary presidential elections on February 7?

 - I wish success to the people of Azerbaijan in the upcoming presidential elections. Let the elected leader lead the country to prosperity, peace and stability. I wish that economic development, social justice and international relations will be further strengthened.