Aliyev’s approval rating sky-high: poll

The overwhelming majority of Azerbaijani citizens support President Ilham Aliyev, a recent public opinion poll has found.

84.2% of the people would cast their votes for the incumbent head of state if presidential elections were held today, according to the survey conducted by local Legal and Democratic Reforms Center from early July to mid-August among 1,654 respondents across the country.

Asked of the possibility of a referendum to authorize the president’s election for more than two terms, 82.2% of those polled welcomed the idea, saying this would allow to advance the head of state’s consistent policy.

As for the government’s performance, 53.7% of respondents approved of it, while 25.4% said they were discontent, and 16.9% had difficulty answering the question.

With regard to the influence of political blocs, 67.5% of the poll participants supported the ruling New Azerbaijan Party. Citizens have much less confidence in opposition parties. Musavat party enjoys 7.6% of popular support, while the National Unity Movement 4.3%, and Classical Popular Front Party 3.4%. Pro-government Ana Vatan party was favored by 2.8% of respondents.

Asked what socio-economic problems they faced, 36.2% of respondents cited electricity supplies and 11.4% gas supplies. 21.6% of the poll participants were discontent with the work of local bodies, while 5.6% with the police, 3.7% the education sector and 3.5% corruption.*