Iosif Tsintsadze, Rector of the Georgian Diplomatic Academy, said that Azerbaijan had no immanent processes and the presidential polls were demonstrating the solidarity of the nation. He believes that Azerbaijan has good chances of maintaining a balance between relations with Russia, the EU and the US.
The rector admitted that Azerbaijani diplomacy was much more efficient than that of Georgia, possibly due to resources or diplomatic skill and flexibility.
The Azerbaijani Embassy in Tbilisi has a polling station where Azerbaijanis may cast votes. Azerbaijani students in Georgia are especially active.
The elections started at 8.00 am and will end at 7.00 pm.
10 candidates are running for president: President Ilham Aliyev; Igbal Agazade, head of the Umid Party; Zakhid Orudzh, an independent candidate and member of parliament; Gudrat Gasanguliyev, head of the Azerbaijan Popular Front; Khafiz Gajiyev, head of the Modern Musavat; Araz Alizade, head of the Social-Democratic Party; Faradzh Guliyev, head of the National Revival Movement; Jamil Gasanly, a candidate of the National Council of Democratic Forces; Ilyas Ismaylov, head of the Adalet Party; Sardar Jalaloglu, head of the Democratic Party.
