President Ilham Aliyev re-elected

President Ilham Aliyev was re-elected on 15 October 2008. Aliyev, who won more than 89 percent of the vote, was running against six other candidates, none of whom received more than 3 percent of the vote. The Central Election Commission released the results on 16 October, based on 70 percent of the votes having been counted. Several opposition parties boycotted the poll to protest media restrictions and alleged electoral fraud. No serious disturbances or incidents of violence were reported; however, the Opposition Cooperation Centre, which is comprised of the opposition parties that boycotted the vote, may stage a protest over the results in Baku on 18 October. City officials have rejected plans for the protest, stating that it would only be authorized if it took place in the Bibi Eybat stadium. Opposition leaders have stated that they will not hold the rally in the stadium, but could end up postponing the action. A final decision is not expected until 17 October, following a meeting between the various parties.