International observers brand Azerbaijan vote 'not competitive'

Azerbaijan's presidential election, which saw President Ilham Aliyev secure a fifth term, lacked political competition and was marred by serious electoral shortcomings and media restrictions, election observers said Thursday. Aliyev's office also said Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin "congratulated Ilham Aliyev on his victory in the presidential elections and wished him success in his presidential activities for the development of Azerbaijan and the prosperity of our people."