Azerbaijan Holds Snap Parliamentary Elections Amid Controversial History

Azerbaijan is conducting a snap parliamentary election, expedited due to the upcoming COP29 climate talks in Baku. The election, dominated by President Ilham Aliyev's New Azerbaijan party, follows a history of disputed elections and recent military successes in the Karabakh region. Observers will report preliminary findings soon.

Azerbaijan is holding a snap parliamentary election on Sunday, marking the first such event since the nation regained control of a former breakaway territory in a swift military operation last year.

Historically, elections in Azerbaijan post-Soviet Union independence have been criticized for lacking fairness and freedom. This vote for the Milli Mejlis parliament is unlikely to change the dominance of President Ilham Aliyev's New Azerbaijan party.

Originally scheduled for November, President Aliyev advanced the election to accommodate COP29 climate talks in Baku. The Aliyev family has ruled Azerbaijan since 1993, maintaining a strong grip on power while the nation enjoys substantial oil and natural gas revenues. Significant victories in the Karabakh region last year have further consolidated their control. Observers, including the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, will provide preliminary assessments shortly after the election.

(With inputs from agencies.)