However, the landslide win comes amidst concerns about the fairness of the polls and questions regarding the motivations behind the early vote.

With 54.47% of ballots counted, Aliyev received a staggering 92.1% of the vote, consolidating his hold on power after two decades in office. His closest competitor, independent candidate Zahid Oruj, trailed far behind with just 2.2%. Turnout stood at approximately 6.5 million, including voters abroad.

However, the election's legitimacy has been questioned by international observers, including the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), who cited restrictions on opposition campaigning and media access as key concerns. Critics point to limited opposition participation and an uneven playing field as factors influencing the outcome.

The decision to hold the election early, originally scheduled for October 2025, further fueled speculation. Some experts see the move as a strategic maneuver by Aliyev to capitalize on his recent popularity surge following Azerbaijan's victory in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War. Others suggest it aimed to pre-empt potential challenges or consolidate power before potential economic or political headwinds.

While the final results are awaited, Aliyev's victory appears cemented. His next term will likely focus on addressing ongoing challenges such as diversifying the oil-dependent economy, strengthening regional partnerships, and navigating Azerbaijan's delicate geopolitical position amidst tensions with Armenia and its ties with Russia and the West.

However, the shadows of electoral concerns and questions surrounding the early vote are likely to linger. Whether Aliyev can address these concerns and foster a more inclusive political landscape remains to be seen. Only time will tell how his policies and governance will impact the future of Azerbaijan. (ILKHA)