Ilham Aliyev has been sworn in for his third term as Azerbaijan's president. The inauguration ceremony took place on October 19 at the country's parliament. Pan-European rights watchdog, the OSCE condemned his election as "seriously flawed," saying it was marred by a "restrictive media environment" and allegations of intimidation. Baku, however, dismissed the criticism as "biased" and entirely based on information provided by the opposition. Aliyev has held power since 2003, when he succeeded his father, longtime ruler Heydar Aliyev.
Ilham Aliyev Is Sworn In As Azerbaijani President
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A motorcade escorted Aliyev to Azerbaijan's parliament in Baku for the inauguration.
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Deputies packed the parliament for the inauguration ceremony.
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Aliyev's wife, Mehriban Aliyeva, was also in attendance...
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...as was his daughter, Leyla.
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Aliyev kisses his country's flag as part of his inauguration ceremony.
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Aliyev is formally sworn in as president for the third time.