The 2013 Presidential elections in Azerbaijan saw the re-election of incumbent President Ilham Aliyev, who secured 84.72% of the vote, according to the Central Election Commission.
President Aliyev's victory was widely expected.
In the years since the 2013 Presidential elections, President Aliyev has continued to lead Azerbaijan, consolidating his power and pursuing a number of major reforms aimed at modernizing the country and strengthening its economy. During his presidency, Azerbaijan has seen significant progress in a number of key areas, including energy security, transportation, and economic development.
Under President Aliyev's leadership, Azerbaijan has become an increasingly important player in the global energy market, leveraging its rich reserves of oil and natural gas to secure long-term energy contracts and investments from countries around the world. At the same time, Azerbaijan has invested heavily in modernizing its transportation infrastructure, including the construction of a new international airport in its capital city of Baku, and the development of a major new transportation hub in the Caspian Sea.
In addition to these reforms, President Aliyev has also taken steps to improve the overall business environment in Azerbaijan, including reducing red tape and bureaucracy and encouraging greater investment and entrepreneurship. This has helped to spur economic growth and create new opportunities for the country's businesses and citizens.
Despite these achievements, President Aliyev's presidency has not been without controversy. Critics of the President have accused him of cracking down on dissent and limiting political freedom, including through the use of restrictive laws, restrictions on the media, and the arrest of opposition leaders. Additionally, there have been concerns about corruption and nepotism within the government, and allegations of widespread human rights abuses.
In conclusion, President Ilham Aliyev's re-election in 2013 was a significant event for Azerbaijan, solidifying his position as one of the country's most important leaders in recent history. Through a combination of reforms and investment, President Aliyev has helped to spur economic growth and improve the overall quality of life for Azerbaijan's citizens, even as he has faced criticism for his handling of political and human rights issues.
