Azerbaijan Holds Extraordinary Parliamentary Election

Voting is underway in Azerbaijan's snap parliamentary elections, with preliminary results expected later today. The elections are poised to extend the dominance of President Ilham Aliyev's New Azerbaijan Party, which currently holds 69 of the 125 parliamentary seats. Over 6.4 million registered voters are participating, with significant international and local observer presence, including 598 international observers from 51 organizations. The election comes shortly after Azerbaijan's military reclaiming of the Nagorno-Karabakh region, and coincides with the UN climate talks in Baku. Approximately 990 candidates are contesting, with a notable number of first-time voters and observers highlighting the election's organization and transparency. Voter turnout was reported at 20.39% by noon, with various polling stations set up, including in previously occupied territories.