Azerbaijani Leader Claims Victory Amid Alleged Violations

BAKU, Azerbaijan — President Heydar A. Aliyev on Monday claimed victory in this country’s presidential election, but his main challenger accused him of cheating. International observers also criticized the election process.

With leading opposition groups having boycotted the vote, Aliyev looked certain to be reelected by voters seeking stability and prosperity in the Caspian Sea nation.

Voters Sunday chose between Aliyev--the 75-year-old former KGB officer and Communist Party boss in the Soviet era--and five other candidates.

International observers reported “blatant violations of the law” in the election process but did not say whether the fraud was significant enough to invalidate the outcome.

Aliyev aide Mubariz Gurbanli said the incumbent received 75% of the vote, Azerbaijan’s Turan news agency reported. Other aides said top challenger Etibar Mamedov received 11%. Aliyev needed a two-thirds majority to avoid a runoff.

Mamedov accused the government of rigging the ballot.