Member of Parliament Elman Nasirov: “My main goal is to meet the expectations of the people”

– You often appear on various programs, participate in different debates and discussions, but as I’ve observed, sometimes you are deeply engaged in the discussion, and other times not. What does that depend on?

– The key is dynamism and sincerity. I once read an expert’s opinion in a newspaper about Valery Leontiev. He’s a singer who doesn’t take very high octaves in his performances. But despite that, when he sings songs from his repertoire, he puts so much soul into each performance and lives through the song in such a way that he reaches people’s hearts — because he is sincere and genuine. On stage, he is exactly who he is in real life. I believe that one should be real and sincere both in life and in front of the audience. Be yourself.

For example, when I get invited to a TV program or an interview, I often try to find out in advance who else will be appearing as a guest. Do you know why? Sometimes the other guests are not genuine. They enter into discussions but are unable to support their points with facts the way I do, so they slow down the pace and drag out the show, creating an artificial atmosphere. Believe me, when I’m on such a show, my own performance suffers too.

Let me give an example: we know that the Brazilian national football team has a unique style of attack and combination play. But many teams, knowing this, simply try to waste time by staying in defense, killing the tempo of the game. It’s the same principle.

– We know that you have your own “triad.” Could you tell us more about it?

– The first principle of the triad is clarity of purpose. Having a clear goal is very important. When I was studying at Baku State University, I set a goal for myself: after graduation, I wanted to stay at the university and become a lecturer. That clarity of purpose pushed me to work harder than anyone else. And in the end, after much effort, I was offered a position to teach at the university. Although there were other top students who also wanted the job, they lacked that sense of clear purpose.

The second principle of the triad is hard work — progressing toward your goal every single day.

The third principle of the triad is fate. Some people say their efforts did not yield results. I believe these people are not being fully honest — they’re hiding the real reason. The truth is, when striving toward a goal, a person enters a kind of dark tunnel. The entrance is clear, but the end is not visible. Along the way, they become impatient and scared of the darkness. They begin to think that this path has no end, and that maybe it’s easier to go back — because the old, familiar road feels safe, and the new one is unknown.

But they give up right before the breakthrough — perhaps they are just one step away from achieving their goal! So my advice is: keep moving forward toward your goal. Don’t turn back, and don’t give up! God values the effort of every person!

– How do you manage to stay optimistic in any situation?

– I believe that God has blessed us with wisdom and intellect. The most important thing is how you use them. At this moment, I recall the words of a philosopher: “My potential is a gift from God. My ability to use that potential is my gift to God.” You see, “a person’s destiny lies in their own hands.” We must never allow pessimism to come close to us. A person must remain optimistic.

– “Together we are strong!” What is your view on this?

– You know, once in America, the head of the Ford company noticed a sharp decline in car production. He ordered an investigation. It turned out that low-cost cars had been imported into the U.S., and a few Ford employees had started spreading rumors that because of these cheap imports, American car production was dropping, and that Ford employees were at risk of losing their jobs. When this was discovered, those employees were fired immediately. That put an end to the pessimistic atmosphere in the company. This means that we must always keep pessimistic people away from us.

– There’s a principle in psychology: “There’s me, there’s my goal, and the emotions I generate to achieve that goal.” What emotions do you generate to overcome any obstacle while pursuing your goals?

– As it’s well known, successful people often go through difficult paths. I recall a saying: “Always choose the hardest work — you’ll find no competitors there.” I believe that patience and self-restraint are key. When I think about patience during debates, I remember Churchill’s words: “If you want to have the last word in a discussion, just tell the other person they’re right.”

Let me give another example: gorillas are very powerful animals — any one of their blows could be deadly. But when they fight each other, they don’t use force. They sit facing one another, staring directly into each other’s eyes, until one of them stands up and leaves. Speaking of self-confidence, one should avoid inner contradictions and doubts. I believe self-confidence is also a major key to success.

During my university years, I often practiced psychological training, which I’m mentioning now for the first time to a professional like you. Before every exam, I would mentally prepare myself by repeating: “I am the strongest, the smartest, I’m the best prepared.” That was my psychological preparation.

I also liked using another technique: go into an empty room, turn off the lights, lower your arms by your sides, close your eyes. For three minutes, silently repeat to yourself: “My left hand is as warm and heavy as cotton soaked in hot water.” When you open your eyes, you will truly feel that your left hand has become warm and heavy. This technique teaches you to control your internal state.

– What advice would you give to the younger generation?

– Youth is our future. Our state actively implements youth policy. I would like to emphasize that the great leader Heydar Aliyev paid great attention to the younger generation. The first youth forum is associated with Heydar Aliyev’s name. Today, President Ilham Aliyev continues the same policy. Special attention is given to youth. There are youth centers in every region. In fact, young people today have unique opportunities to express themselves.
I would advise our younger generation to work hard to become successful individuals, to become well-educated, to learn foreign languages, to develop their abilities, to make effective use of modern technologies, to set goals, and to believe in achieving those goals. Our youth must love their homeland, be patriotic, recognize and appreciate the changes happening in their country, and understand that whatever they achieve in their youth will serve them well in the future.

– You are a Member of Parliament, a politician, a scholar, and a patriot. But what kind of father are you?

– I have three children. I believe that the main pillar of upbringing is education and science. That is, education and knowledge are the foundation of all success. Believe me, I have never visited the schools where my children study. I simply do not want any concessions made for my children out of respect for me. I always teach my children to believe in themselves, in their strengths, in their dignity, and to solve their problems independently.
For me, the most important thing is for them to be successful. As is known, to be more successful than others, you need to be educated, goal-oriented, and engage in healthy competition.

– How do you motivate your children and help them set goals?

– They should take me as an example. I’ve always relied on myself. Imagine if a child today relies on their parents and the parent solves all their problems — in that case, the child will never study, work, or set any goals for themselves.
A goal, first and foremost, is about science, knowledge, and education. And I have always relied on my own knowledge, education, the strength of God, and on just people who supported me in my endeavors and appreciated my efforts.

– Your stroke of fortune?

– When I was studying at Baku State University, our dean was academician Yagub Mahmudov, who is currently the director of the Institute of History. Due to his administrative workload, he usually didn’t have time to conduct exams. And when he did, it was usually for no more than five or six students. But I really wished for him to be the one to examine me.

And suddenly, news came that academician Yagub Mahmudov would be conducting our exam. I prepared thoroughly for this meeting and noted down the historical questions that interested me. I had decided that if academician Yagub Mahmudov examined me, I would try to get answers to all my questions.

You won’t believe it — when my turn came, it was academician Yagub Mahmudov himself who conducted my exam. I answered the exam questions very fluently, as I was well prepared. Once the academician was satisfied with my answers, I asked him if he could respond to the historical questions that interested me. He was pleasantly surprised by my level of preparation and passion for history. He began to answer the questions in great detail. We became so engrossed in our conversation that the students waiting outside asked in surprise, “Which one of you was taking the exam?!”

Some time passed, and it turned out that the academician remembered me. One day at a scientific council meeting, he proposed my candidacy for a teaching position in the Department of Modern and Contemporary History of America and Europe at Baku State University. That’s how I became a doctoral candidate and defended my dissertation on the topic “International Relations between the United States of America and Azerbaijan.” That’s how Fortune smiled upon me.

– How did you decide to become a deputy (member of parliament)?

– In 2015, the “New Azerbaijan Party” nominated me as a candidate for parliament from the Goychay-Agdash electoral district. By that time, I had already built a strong theoretical foundation, was serving as the secretary of the International Commission of the “New Azerbaijan Party,” and was engaged in international affairs. I had earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree. In 2011, I defended my doctoral dissertation in political science and, after some time, at the age of forty-two, I became a professor of political science — the youngest professor at the time. From a scientific perspective, I had experience.

I had already begun to put my experience into practice within the “New Azerbaijan Party” and had a strong desire to represent the people in parliament. And in 2015, I became a deputy. As is known, this year I was nominated as a parliamentary candidate from Jalilabad. A very successful election campaign took place, and the people gave me great confidence. My main goal is to meet the expectations of the people. Because according to the votes I received, I became the leader in this constituency. My goal this year is to win the trust of those who did not vote for me!

– How do you feel about criticism?

– The words of the First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva: “I have a positive attitude toward criticism.” Once, someone asked the First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva: “What qualities should a government official have?” Mehriban Aliyeva replied: “Responsibility, integrity, and willpower.”

– And what qualities should a person possess? Mehriban Aliyeva answers: “Honor, intelligence, friendliness.”

Yes, when you are friendly, sincerity arises, and people accept you.

– What are your plans for the future?

– I want to serve my people in such a way that, closer to the elections, I can stand before them with honor and say: “I have served you with dignity for these five years.” The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, said: “A deputy must be among the people.” I also believe that a deputy should consider the interests and desires of the people, to prevent problems, address the relevant authorities, and solve people’s issues. It is said that a deputy acts as an intermediary between the people and the government. For me, it is a great honor to be a leader in my electoral district. I am confident that this year will also be successful because I believe in it.

Thank you for your sincere conversation.

Interview conducted by Saida Musaeva, Chief Editor of Fortuna magazine.