Polling stations were opened on Wednesday for early presidential elections in Azerbaijan.
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Throughout the country and in the diplomatic missions of the republic around the world, 6,537 polling stations open their doors at 08.00 local time; about 6 million voters have the right to cast their votes.
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Due to Azerbaijan’s return of control over Karabakh, the 2024 presidential elections will be held for the first time throughout the recognized territory of the country, with 23 thousand people taking part in voting at polling stations in territories previously not controlled by Baku. For voting by citizens abroad, 49 polling stations have been created in 37 countries.
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The CEC registered seven candidates: the current head of state Ilham Aliyev from the ruling New Azerbaijan Party, self-nominated candidates Zahid Oruj and Fuad Aliyev, Razi Nurullayev from the National Front Party, Fazil Mustafa from the Great Creation Party, Elshad Musayev from the Great Azerbaijan Party, Gudrat Hasanguliyev from the Popular Front of Integral Azerbaijan party.
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The President of Azerbaijan is elected for a term of 7 years.
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Baku plans to announce the first data from the elections two hours after the polling stations close; preliminary voting results are expected the next day.
