Presidential elections in Azerbaijan present difficulties for observers and journalists

At many polling stations during voting in the presidential elections in Azerbaijan, journalists are prohibited from filming and observers are removed. This was reported by a number of local media.

In particular, at the 19th precinct of the 18th electoral district Narimanov-Nizami-Binagadi, journalists were not allowed to film on the grounds that they were not registered in the media register. Obstruction of the activities of media representatives was also observed at the 19th precinct of the Sabunchu 4th electoral district No. 29, and at the 8th, 13th, 12th and 29th precincts of the third electoral district of the Yasamal district.

In addition, observer Javid Nabiyev reported that he was removed from the 13th precinct of the Nasimi-Sabail constituency No. 23 without any reason. A similar incident was recorded at the 1st station in the same area. There the observer was taken away by the police.

Finally, a number of media outlets have noted cases of students being used for multiple voting. This practice, called "carousel", has been recorded in many areas.

Последние новости
MMA fighter from Chechnya hospitalized following a brawl involving gunfire in Vladikavkaz
Society
MMA fighter from Chechnya hospitalized following a brawl involving gunfire in Vladikavkaz
18 October 2026

Mixed martial arts fighter Ibragim Islamov, known by the nickname "Nikarkho," sustained a gunshot wound from a non-lethal (traumatic) pistol during an altercation in the center of Vladikavkaz. Two people were injured in the incident, both of whom were hospitalized. The North Ossetia branch of the Russian Interior Ministry has opened a criminal case, and one of the individuals involved has been detained.

Azerbaijan marks 35 years of independence—33 of which have seen the country ruled by a single family
Society
Azerbaijan marks 35 years of independence—33 of which have seen the country ruled by a single family
18 October 2026

On October 18, Azerbaijan celebrates the Day of the Restoration of Independence. It was on this date in 1991 that the republic’s Supreme Soviet adopted a Constitutional Act, formalizing the country’s departure from the Soviet system and the restoration of its state sovereignty.

US Congressman Calls Kobakhidze’s Meeting with Iranian President an “Insult to Trump”
Politics
US Congressman Calls Kobakhidze’s Meeting with Iranian President an “Insult to Trump”
18 October 2026

American Republican Congressman Joe Wilson has criticized Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze for holding talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The meeting took place in Yerevan on the sidelines of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17).

Drone alert declared across southern Russia this evening
News
Drone alert declared across southern Russia this evening
17 October 2026

On the evening of 17 October, a drone alert was declared again in several districts of Krasnodar Krai. The warning covered Anapa, Gelendzhik, Novorossiysk, Abinsky, Krymsky and Temryuksky districts. Earlier in the day, alerts had also been issued in Sochi, Tuapse municipal district and Mostovsky district.