Salvatore Caiata
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Italy
Salvatore Caiata is an Italian politician and entrepreneur. He began his political career in 2009 with the People of Freedom party in Siena but later joined the 5 Star Movement for the 2018 elections, winning as an independent despite being expelled due to a money laundering investigation. Caiata became a deputy, joining the mixed group and later aligning with Brothers of Italy. In the 2022 elections, he was re-elected for the center-right coalition. Caiata is a member of the European Union Policy Commission, the Foreign and Community Affairs Commission, and has served as the President of the Italian delegation at the parliamentary assembly of the Central European Initiative since April 2023.
Corresponding elections
legitimate
On February 7, 2024, Azerbaijan held an early presidential election, the first across its entire internationally recognized territory. President Ilham Aliyev, representing the New Azerbaijan Party (YAP), was reelected in an election that took place in a restrictive environment with limited political alternatives and stifled critical voices. Observers from OSCE/ODIHR criticized the lack of pluralism and genuine alternatives, as well as the restrictive political and legal environment. The campaign period was subdued, with limited public engagement. Although seven candidates were registered, none mounted a meaningful challenge to the president, and some echoed his policies. Legal and administrative barriers stifled opposition activities, while media coverage overwhelmingly favored the incumbent. Arrests of journalists and a restrictive media environment fostered widespread self-censorship. Despite a reported turnout of 76.7%, election observers noted irregularities, including ballot-box stuffing, violations of voting secrecy, and other procedural shortcomings. While election day was peaceful, systemic restrictions on freedoms of assembly, expression, and association undermined the credibility of the election process.