Azerbaijan's Ruling Party Retains Majority Amid Election Controversies

Azerbaijan's ruling party maintained its parliamentary majority in a snap election, the first since regaining Karabakh. OSCE criticized the vote for not meeting democratic standards. Despite President Aliyev's party securing 68 out of 125 seats, opposition parties refuse to recognize the results, citing widespread voting violations.

Azerbaijan's ruling party has retained its majority in the snap parliamentary elections held on Sunday. Preliminary results indicated a clear win for President Ilham Aliyev's party, securing 68 out of 125 seats. The election marks the first national vote since Azerbaijan's offensive last year to reclaim Karabakh.

The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) criticized the election, stating it fell short of democratic standards. Most notably, the election saw a turnout of just 37.3%, with over two million people casting their votes in the energy-rich nation. OSCE election monitors described the campaign as 'barely visible' and noted significant irregularities.

Opposition parties have refused to recognize the legitimacy of the new parliament. The opposition party Musavat has called for another vote, citing widespread violations like ballot stuffing and multiple voting. This election follows Azerbaijan's recent military success and subsequent political maneuvers by Aliyev, who has been in power since 2003 and secured his fifth presidential term earlier this year.

(With inputs from agencies.)