(AP) -- Ilham Aliyev, had been expected to seek re-election in November, but his office announced on Monday that an early election would be held in April. Aliyev's office did not immediately explain the move.

Azerbaijan's constitution was amended at a referendum in 2016, extending the presidential term from five to seven years. Aliyev's critics saw the referendum as effectively cementing a dynastic rule. The 56-year old Aliyev succeeded his father, who died in 2003.

(FILE PHOTO - Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, attends the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland January 23, 2018 REUTERS/Denis Balibouse Reuters)