"If Heydar Aliyev's health does not let him take part in the coming presidential election, I will remain the only contender from Yeni Azerbaijan party for the state leader post", as reported by Mediamax agency, Azeri prime minister, presidential contender Ilham Aliyev stated upon the beginning of the pre-electoral race. At the same time he expressed hope that his father's state of health will improve and Azeri people will elect him president again.