"We do not have plans to change the date of the [presidential] elections. I know about rumors in Azerbaijan and outside the country. We have no such plans, I do not see any necessity in it. As for my participation or non-participation, the next presidential elections are scheduled to occur in two years, it is too early to make conclusions regarding this. If I feel the same support of the population as today, of course I will strive to live up to the expectations," he said.
On September 26, a constitutional referendum took place in Azerbaijan. One of the proposed constitutional amendments involved the extension of presidential terms from seven to five years, as well as introduction of posts of vice presidents and the reduction of the minimum age for the post of the country's leader.
The referendum was recognized legitimate as more than 25 percent of voters took part in it, which was sufficient for the amendments to pass since the majority supported the changes.