OSCE observers: Azerbaijan needs to do much more to make progress in developing a truly pluralist democracyNovember 8, 2010 - 19:28 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Loyalists of President Ilham Aliyev swept the board in the November 7 parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan, amid allegations of serious violations. The Central Election Commission said that with 90 percent of the vote counted, Aliyev's Yeni Azerbaycan (New Azerbaijan) Party increased its share in the 125-seat parliament to more than 70 seats. Loyal candidates appeared to have taken all the rest of the seats. The Central Election Commission, the ruling party, and election monitors from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) declared the vote free and fair. But Western observers said that the elections, though "peaceful" and with opposition participation, were marred by "serious violations. The monitors, led by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), said that "despite all the efforts made, the country needs to do much more to make progress in developing a truly pluralist democracy", FRL/RE reported. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |