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Polls are open in Azerbaijan’s elections, where more than 6 million eligible voters can cast their ballots. The early presidential election in the authoritarian, oil-rich nation is overshadowed by criticism and repression. International observers say the vote is neither free nor fair. It is considered certain that the 62-year-old ruler Ilham Aliyev, who took over the office from his father in 2003, will once again be declared the winner. According to observers, Aliyev’s six opponents are not real rivals, and the two largest opposition parties are boycotting the election.

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