Turkey’s parliamentary elections in progressJune 12, 2011 - 17:12 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turks went to the polls on Sunday June 12 in parliamentary elections, with the Islamist-rooted Justice and Development Party (AKP) seeking to win a third straight term in office. Pollsters mainly expect the AKP, bolstered by economic stability in the country, to grab an easy victory with a minor loss of votes compared to its 47 per cent showing in the 2007 elections. Among a population of some 73 million, more than 50 million voters were eligible to cast their ballots on Sunday in almost 200,000 polling stations nationwide, to renew the 550-seat parliament. The last polling station closes at 1400 GMT and preliminary results are expected after 1800 GMT, although the authorities generally allow the media to announce estimated results earlier, AFP reported. Top stories 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". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |