[27.10.2003]

The Central Election Commission (CEC) conducted its session chaired by Mr. Mazahir Panahov on October 27, 2003.
CEC Chairman informed of the termination of authorities of Mr. Ilham Heydar oghlu Aliyev as a deputy to the Milli Majlis and stated that after being elected Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Heydar oghlu Aliyev appealed to CEC for the termination of his deputy authorities. The Commission decided to terminate the authorities of deputy to the Milli Majlis of Mr. Ilham Heydar oghlu Aliyev.
Then Mr. Ingilab Nasirov, CEC Secretary informed commissioners of the approval of Mr. Asif Aghalar oghlu Imameliyev as a deputy to the Milli Majlis who in the list of deputies is the next after the deputy excluded from the single candidates list submitted to the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan by the New Azerbaijan Party and of providing him with mandate. It was decided to settle this issue positively.
In the session, it was mentioned about the tense work of CEC commissioners related to the arrangement of the Presidential Elections of the Republic of Azerbaijan on October 15, 2003 and it was decided to award commissioners.
Appeals entered the Commission were also discussed and it was decided to consider these appeals.
Representatives of National Democracy Institution, IFES (International Foundation for Election Systems), Japan embassy, as well as representatives of domestic and foreign mass media participated in the CEC session.

CEC Press Service

[20.10.2003]

The Central Election Commission (CEC) conducted its session chaired by Mr. Mazahir Panahov on October 20, 2003.
The appeals entered the Commission were considered after CEC Chairman reported on the activities implemented by CEC in the field of organizing and conduct of the Presidential Elections of the Republic of Azerbaijan on October 15, 2003. It was decided to discuss some of the appeals in the following session and to send some of them to the State Prosecutor`s Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Then CEC decided to end the Presidential Elections of the Republic of Azerbaijan and to send the voting results for approval to the Constitution Court of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Representatives of Secretary General of the Council of Europe, OSCE/ODIHR, IFES (International Foundation for Election Systems), embassies of the USA, Great Britain, Turkey, Kazakhstan, as well as representatives of domestic and foreign mass media participated in the CEC session.

[05.10.2003]

The Central Election Commission (CEC) conducted its session chaired by Mr. Mazahir Panahov on September 5, 2003.
Chairman of the Commission reported on the registration of authorized representatives of Mr. Ilham Heydar oghlu Aliyev whose candidacy has been registered for the Presidential Elections of the Republic of Azerbaijan. CEC decided to settle this issue positively.
Then CEC Chairman reported on the approval of Huseyn Mammad oghlu Pashayev as member with consultative right and Shaitdin Serdar oghlu Aliyev as an observer in all territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan both appointed by Mr. Ilham Heydar oghlu Aliyev, candidate to presidency of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The Commission decided to settle both issues positively.
Mr. Vidadi Mahmudov, CEC Secretary reported on the organization of voting in the punishment institutions. And Mrs. Svetlana Gasimova, CEC Deputy Chairman submitted report related to this. CEC decided to consider the information of Mrs. Svetlana Gasimova.
Then CEC adopted decision on recalling and canceling the registration card of Bahruz Museyib oghlu Dilbazi and on the registration of Zemfira Museyib ghizi Budagova both appointed agents by Mrs. Lale Shovket Hajiyeva whose candidacy to presidency of the Republic of Azerbaijan has been registered.
Mr. Ingilab Nasirov and Mr. Azer Taghiyev, CEC Secretaries reported on the entered appeals. It was decided to send both of the appeals to the State Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan to be investigated.
At the end of the session, current issues were discussed.
Representatives of IFES (International Foundation for Election Systems),OSCE/ODIHR, National Democracy Institute, as well as representatives of domestic and foreign mass media participated in the session of the Commission.

[03.10.2003]

The Central Election Commission (CEC) conducted its session chaired by Mr. Mazahir Panahov on September 3, 2003.
Chairman of the Commission reported on the withdrawal of Mr. Heydar Alirza oghlu Aliyev whose candidacy to presidency has been registered for the Presidential Elections of the Republic of Azerbaijan on October 15, 2003. He stated that Mr. Heydar Alirza oghlu Aliyev noted that he has appealed to CEC with the apllication and withdrew his candidacy. The Commission considered the appeal of Mr. Heydar Alirza oghlu Aliyev and adopted the relevant decision.
Mr. Ingilab Nasirov, CEC Secretary reported on the withdrawal of Mr. Ali Amirhuseyn oghlu Kerimli whose candidacy to presidency has been registered for the Presdiential Elections of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The Commission also adopted the relevant decision on this.
Then Mrs. Svetlana Gasimova, CEC Deputy Chairman reported on the following seminar-training considered for the leadership of the Constituency and Precinct Election Commissions (Con.ECs and PECs) related to the Presidential Elections of the Republic of Azerbaijan on October 15, 2003. CEC commissioners adopted the relevant decision on the approval of the agenda.
In the session, the issue on the registration of 12 agents appointed by the National Independence Party was taken into consideration and this issue was also decided to be settled positively.
Mr. Ingilab Nasirov, CEC Secretary reported on the modifications in the compositions of some Con.ECs. CEC adopted relevant decisions on making modifications in the composition of these Con.ECs.
Then other issues in the agenda were discussed and relevant decisions were adopted.
Representatives of IFES (International Foundation for Election Systems), OSCE/ODIHR, embassies of the USA, France, Japan, as well as representatives of domestic and foreign mass media participated in the CEC session.

[01.10.2003]

The Central Election Commission (CEC) conducted its session chaired by Mr. Mazahir Panahov on October 1, 2003.
After the approval of CEC session minutes dated on August 12 and 14, 2003, Mr. Ingilab Nasirov, CEC Secretary reported on the withdrawal of candidacy of Mr. Abutalib Ganbar oghlu Samadov whose candidacy to presidency has been registered. He noted that Mr. Abutalib Ganbar oghlu Samadov appealed to the CEC with the application and withdrew his candidacy in favor of Mr. Ilham Heydar oghlu Aliyev. The Commission considered his appeal and adopted the relevant decision.
Then it was reported on the printing of ballot papers related to the Presidential Elections of the Republic of Azerbaijan on October 15, 2003. The Commission decided to print ballot papers in the press of the State Students Admission Commission.
The Commission also discussed the issue of modifications in the composition of some Constituency Election Commissions and decided to make relevant modifications in the composition of these commissions.
In the session, entered appeals were also taken into consideration and relevant decisions were adopted.
At the end of the session, current issues were discussed.
Representatives of IFES (International Foundation for Election Systems),
OSCE/ODIHR, National Democracy Institution, the USA embassy, as well as representatives of domestic and foreign mass media participated in the CEC session.

[29.09.2003]

The Central Election Commission (CEC) conducted its session chaired by Mr. Mazahir Panahov on September 29, 2003.
In the session, Mr. Ingilab Nasirov, CEC Secretary reported on the withdrawal of Mr. Yunus Isakhan oghlu Aliyev whose candidacy has been registered for the Presidential Elections of the Republic of Azerbaijan. CEC Secretary stated that by applying to CEC Mr. Yunus Isakhan oghlu Aliyev withdrew his candidacy in the favor of Mr. Ilham Heydar oghlu Aliyev .The Commission considered his appeal and adopted the relevant decision.
Mr. Vidadi Mahmudov, CEC Secretary reported on the application of Article 47.9 of the Election Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. CEC decided to settle the issue positively.
The issue related to the registration of 9 agents appointed by the Musavat Party and 24 agents appointed by the Azerbaijan National Independence Party was also considered and a positive decision was adopted on this.
Then appeals entered CEC were considered. Some of the appeals were decided to be sent to the State Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Later, the presentation of Azizbayov first Con.EC # 13 was discussed and it was decided to appeal to the Appeal Court of the Republic of Azerbaijan on this issue.
At the end of the session current issues were discussed.
Representatives of IFES (International Foundation for Election Systems), OSCE/ODIHR, Council of Europe, National Democracy Institution, the USA embassy, as well as representatives of domestic and foreign mass media participated in the CEC session.

[29.09.2003]

The Central Election Commission (CEC) organizes seminar-trainings for commissioners of the Constituency and Precinct Election Commissions (hereafter referred to as Con.EC and PEC) to increase their professionalism and assume practical skills necessary for the conduct of elections. The main subject of the seminar-trainings is how to complete the final protocol on the voting procedure, counting of votes and voting results. Practical trainings hold preference in the seminar-trainings that are conducted for small groups consisting of the PEC commissioners.
Seminar-trainings are led by the training group headed by Mr. Rovzat Gasimov, Head of the International Relations Department of the CEC Secretariat. Members of the expert group of 13 persons attended special training courses for the conduct of trainings related to the elections and got certificates with international grade.
Seminar-trainings in more than 85constituencies in the Republic have already ended.
IFES (International Foundation for Election Systems) also coordinates to the conduct of seminar-trainings. Seminar-trainings in 39 constituencies are conducted by close participation of the Fund.
These successive activities are considered to be continued till October 8, 2003.

CEC Press Service

[24.09.2003]
Election Commission (CEC) conducted its session chaired by Mr. Mazahir Panahov on September 24, 2003.
Mr. Asef Aliyev, CEC Commissioner proposed to send the inquiry to the State Customs Committee to give information on fulfilling of the pledge of the producer, circulation, payment, state duty-paid and tax of the campaign materials brought to Azerbaijan for pre-election campaign. Not any decision related to the proposal of A.Aliyev was adopted.
Mr. Vidadi Mahmudov, CEC Secretary reported on the state of execution of Article 95.2 of the Election Code. CEC decided to charge the Control-Inspection Commission with the investigation of this issue according to the legislation.
Then it was reported on the applications and appeals entered CEC. Some of the appeals were decided to send to the State Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan for taking relevant measures after being investigated.
Mr. Anvar Aliyev, CEC Commissioner reported on the state of observing Article 22.2 of the Election Code. Commissioners decided to discuss this issue in the CEC session after the investigation.
I.Mammadov, CEC Commissioner reported on the appeal of A.Ahmadov, authorized representative of the New Azerbaijan Party to CEC. In the appeal it was requested to take relevant legal measures as I.Gambar, candidate to presidency did not meet the requirements of Article 58 of the Election Code, did not give precise information to CEC on the property and income possessed in accordance with the right to property and hide his 57010, 4 thousand manat income got for the final 2002 of the "Yeni Musavat" newspaper. CEC decided that the Control-Inspection Commission shall investigate this issue and put it into the discussion of the Commission again.
Then other issues on the agenda were discussed and relevant decisions were adopted.
Representatives of IFES (International Foundation for Election Systems), OSCE/ODIHR, Council of Europe, National Democracy Institution, the USA embassy, as well as representatives of domestic and foreign mass media participated in the CEC session.

[23.09.2003]
The Central Election Commission conducted its session chaired by Mr. Mazahir Panahov on September 23, 2003.
Mr. Ingilab Nasirov, CEC Secretary reported on the approval of CEC Regulation. The Regulation was approved by considering the suggestions.
Mr. Vidadi Mahmudov, CEC Secretary reported on the approval of Instruction on the working rules for Precinct Election Commissions (PECs) on the Election Day and this document was also approved by considering the suggestions.
Mr. Azer Taghiyev, CEC Commissioner reported on the express of attitudes toward the events happened in some constituencies on September 21, 2003. During discussions commissioners stated that stability is the most important factor for the conduct of elections and spoke about the efforts of some destructive circles in the country to ruin this stability and form the situation of 1991-1992 years. The speakers noted that candidates to presidency shall not abuse while conducting pre-election campaign, shall step in accordance with the requirements of the Election Code and shall not form affected opposition. Speakers considered that the police shall prevent such cases in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On the police” and other relevant laws and shall ensure the protection of public tranquility. Then CEC made statement related to these events. Appeals related to these incidents were sent to the State Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan for taking relevant measures after being investigated.
Mr. Gabil Orujov, CEC Commissioner reported on the registration of observers. CEC commissioners decided to settle this issue positively.
Representatives of IFES (International Foundation for Election Systems), OSCE/ODIHR, National Democracy Institution, the USA embassy, as well as representatives of domestic and foreign mass media participated in the session.

[18.09.2003]

The Central Election Commission conducted its session chaired by Mr. Mazahir Panahov on September 18, 2003.
After the CEC commissioners approved CEC session minutes dated on September 3, 2003 and 8, 2003, Mr. Gabil Orujov, CEC commissioner reported on the consideration of appeals on the observation of the citizens in all areas of the Republic of Azerbaijan on their own initiative. Commissioners decided to reply to the appeals positively.
Mr. Ingilab Nasirov, CEC Secretary reported on the approval of the comment on the rules for completing final protocol of the Precinct Election Commission (PEC) on the counting of votes and voting results in the polling station during the Presidential Elections of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Mr. Vidadi Mahmudov, another CEC Secretary reported on the approval of the comment on the rules for completing final protocol of the Constituency Election Commission (Con.EC) on the counting of votes and voting results in the constituency. Both documents were approved by considering suggestions.
In the session, the appeal of the Central Election Commission to candidates to presidency was approved. Commissioners challenged candidates to presidency for respect citizens and one another while conducting pre-election campaign.
Then it was decided to register 50 agents appointed by the Civil Solidarity Party and 26 agents appointed by the Musavat Party.
Later, the Commission heard the reports on the modifications in the compositions of some Con.ECs and relevant decisions were adopted.
In the session, applications and appeals entered the CEC were also in consideration and it was decided to send some of the appeals to the State Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan to be investigated.

CEC adopted relevant decisions after discussing other issues in the agenda.

Representatives of IFES (International Foundation for Election Systems), OSCE/ODIHR, Great Britain embassy and representatives of domestic and foreign mass media participated in the session of the Commission.

[11. 09.2003]

In the article under the title of "Treason was revealed" published in the number of "Yeni Musavat" newspaper dated on September 11, 2003 it was informed that as if "Senayeavtomatika" Industrial Unity prepared transparent ballot boxes. The Central Election Commission refutes this information and states that transparent boxes are not prepared in any enterprise operating in our country. Transparent boxes have been prepared in Honk Kong by the organization of IFES (International Foundation for Election Systems) and by the financial support of Germany, the USA, Netherlands and Great Britain governments.
And "Senayeavtomatika" Industrial Unity prepares not transparent ballot boxes, but voting booths in accordance with the treaty signed with the central Election Commission and such booths have already been sent to the polling stations of most constituencies.
The information reflected in the article published in the above-mentioned newspaper is not in accordance with the truth and such misinformation shall be estimated as efforts and ill-intentioned approaches to obstacle the works done in the direction of conducting fair, transparent and democratic elections.
The Central Election Commission calls citizens to be vigilant, not to believe in such misinformation and ensures the voters that it will take all legal measures for the conduct of free, fair and democratic elections after this, too.

[09.09.2003]
Venice Commission of the Council of Europe, Office for Human Rights of the Council of Europe and special representative of Secretary General of the Council of Europe to Azerbaijan will conduct joint training-seminars on the subject of elections in Baki by participation of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan on September 8-9-10, 2003 .
Training-seminars were considered to be conducted on two groups. The first group includes representatives of political parties, election observers, representatives of NGOs and mass media and the second group includes commissioners of the Central Election Commission and lower election commissions and court judges.
Training-seminar will be conducted for representatives of political parties, election observers, representatives of NGOs and mass media who enter the first group on September 8, 2003. Participation of commissioners of the Central Election Commission and lower election commissions who enter the second group is considered on September 9, 2003. Besides CEC and lower election commissioners court judges who enter the second group will also be participants of the training-seminar on September 10, 2003, i.e. on the third day of the activity.
It was considered that Mr. Bernard Owen – Secretary General of Comparative Election Studies Center (France), Mr. Didier Vinolas – Ministry of Interior Affairs of France, Mr. Richard Baretin – Official of Law Department of Ireland, Mr. G. Buenger – Representative of International Commission on Missing People in Skopje, Mr. Christophoros Christophorou – former director of Cyprus TV and Radio Body, media and political analytic and Mr. Ashok Ahir – Managing editor and politician of Wales Office, BBC are to report in this activity.

CEC Press Service

[08.09.2003]

The Central Election Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan (CEC) conducted its session chaired by Mr. Mazahir Panahov on September 8, 2003.Mr. Ingilab Nasirov, CEC Secretary reported on the approval of the comment on the inspection-control system of Constituency Election Commissions (Con.ECs) and the elaboration of voters lists. These documents were adopted by considering suggestions.Mr. Vidadi Mahmudov, another CEC Secretary reported on the list of documents submitted to the Con.EC for the registration of observers and on the approval of the comment on the rules for citizens observation upon their own initiative. The Commission approved these documents, too by considering proposals. Then it was reported on the registration of Huseynagha Alishan oghlu Aliyev, Rahman Alovsat oghlu Samadov, Bahadur Jamshid oghlu Salmanov and Zumrud Soltan ghizi Shirinova who were appointed agents by Mrs. Lale-Shovket Hajiyeva whose candidacy to presidency has been registered and this issue was decided to be settled positively.Later, Mrs. Svetlana Gasimova, CEC Deputy Chairman and Mr. Vidadi Mahmudov, CEC Secretary reported on the modifications in the composition of some Con.ECs and it was decided to make modifications in the composition of these Con.ECs.In the session, applications and complaints entered CEC were also considered and relevant decisions were adopted.
On September 6, 2003, the Commmission put the actions committed while using free airtime on Azerbaijan State TV allocated for registered candidates during the round-table into discussion. CEC commissioners condemned this incident and adopted decision on applying to registered candidates for avoiding such cases.
Then Mr. Azer Taghiyev, CEC commissioner made the participants of the session aware of the CEC applies to mass media. CEC commissioners voted for the approval of these applies.
Representatives of IFES (International Foundation for Election Systems), OSCE/ODIHR, National Democracy Institute of the Council of Europe, representatives of embassies of the USA, Japan and Kazakhstan, as well as representatives of domestic and foreign mass media participated in the session.

[02.09.2003]

The Central Election Commission (CEC) conducted its session chaired by Mr. Mazahir Panahov on September 2, 2003.
After the approval of the agenda of session by commissioners, the minutes of session of CEC dated on July 21, 2003, July 25, 2003 and August 1, 2003 were approved.
Then Mr. Ingilab Nasirov, CEC Secretary reported on the registration of 50 agents appointed by the Modern Musavat Party. The Commission decided to settle this issue positively.

CEC adopted the relevant decision by considering the issue of making modifications in the composition of some Constituency Election Commissions (Con.ECs).
Mr. Vidadi Mahmudov, CEC Secretary suggested to appeal to the court to deprive Mr. Hafiz Alamdar oghlu Hajiyev, registered candidate to presidency of his right to use airtime during pre-election campaign as he disseminated information offending and disgracing honor and dignity of other registered candidates to presidency. Commissioners did not approve this suggestion. CEC warned Mr. Hafiz Alamdar oghlu Hajiyev, candidate to presidency of not using expressions offending dignity and honor of other registered candidates to presidency in the future and sent the case to the State Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan to be investigated.
Then the appeal of the New Azerbaijan Party related to taking measures for the dissemination of the information offending and disgracing honor and dignity of President Heydar Alirza oghlu Aliyev upon using airtime allocated on State TV on August 29, 2003 by Mr. Ali Amirhuseyn oghlu Karimli and Mr. Etibar Salidar oghlu Mammadov. It was decided to warn Mr. Etibar Salidar oghlu Mammadov and Mr. Ali Amirhuseyn oghlu Karimov of not allowing such cases in the future and to send the complaint to the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Azerbaijan to take relevant measures by investigating the facts in the application.
Then applications and complaints entered CEC were discussed. Three of the complaints were sent to the State Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan to be investigated.

The Commission discussed the current issues at the end and adopted relevant decisions.
Representatives of IFES (International Foundation for Election Systems), OSCE/ODIHR, as well as representatives of domestic and foreign mass media participated in the session.

CEC Press Service

[28.08.2003]

The Central Election Commission (CEC) conducted its session chaired by Mr. Mazahir Panahov on August 28, 2003.
After the approval of the agenda of the session, Mr. Mazahir Panahov, CEC Chairman reported on the approval of minutes of session of CEC dated on July 15, 2003, 16, 2003 and 19, 2003. Influential minutes of session were approved by considering proposals of commissioners.
Then Mrs. Svetlana Gasimova, CEC Deputy Chairman reported on the agenda of the following seminar-training for commissioners of Constituency Election Commissions (Con.ECs) related to the preparation of the Presidential Elections of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Commissioners decided to approve the agenda.
Mr. Ingilab Nasirov, CEC Secretary reported with the proposal to register 50 agents appointed by Mr. Gudrat Muzaffar oghlu Hasanguliyev, candidate to presidency. The proposal was approved by the Commission.
Then Mr. Vidadi Mahmudov, CEC Secretary reported on the registration of 50 agents appointed by Mrs. Lale-Shovket Hajiyeva, candidate to presidency and on the approval of the appointment of Mr. Rasim Mirzahuseyn oghlu Niftaliyev as a member with consultative right by the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party. Commissioners settled this issue positively, too.
Later, the Commission considered issues related to the making modifications in the composition of some Con.ECs. The Commission decided to make modifications in the composition of Absheron Con.EC #45, Agjabedi Con.Ec #82 and Imishli-Beylagan Con.EC #80.

Discussions on meeting requirements of Article 22.2 of the Election Code related to the inadmissibility of election commissioners being on state or municipal service were held and issues were decided to put into discussion again after being investigated. Then other issues in the agenda were discussed and relevant decisions were adopted.
Representatives of IFES (International Foundation for Election Systems), National Democracy Institution, OSCE/ODIHR, Japan embassy, as well as representatives of domestic and foreign mass media participated in the CEC session.

CEC Press Service

[22.08.2003]

The Central Election Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan (CEC) conducted its session chaired by Mr. Mazahir Panahov on August 22, 2003.
Mr. Mazahir Panahov, CEC Chairman reported on the formation of the lottery commission in order to provide registered candidates to presidency with free airtime related to the Presidential Elections of the Republic of Azerbaijan on October 15, 2003. Then, a lottery commission consisting of CEC commissioners - Mr. Azer Taghiyev, Mr. Fuad Javadov, Mr. Anvar Aliyev and Mr. Azer Sariyev, Head of CEC Press Department was established. Later, Mr. Mazahir Panahov, CEC Chairman reported on the allocation of funding by CEC for reimbursement of the payment for providence of registered candidates to presidency with free airtime in pages of periodicals “Azerbaijan”, “Khalg gazeti” (“Popular newspaper”), “Respublica” (“Republic”) and “Bakinski rabochi” (Baku worker”). The Commission decided to solve this issue positively.
Mrs. Svetlana Gasimova, CEC Deputy Chairman reported on the registration of 50 agents appointed by the New Azerbaijan Party. The Commission decided to solve this issue positively.
Then, a break was proclaimed to conduct the lottery in the CEC session and lottery was conducted by participation of authorized representatives of candidates to presidency and representatives of mass media. After the end of lottery, results were declared.
Mr. Ingilab Nasirov, CEC Secretary reported on the approval of the appointment of Mr. Arif Amiraslan oghlu Guliyev as member with consultative right to vote in CEC by the Alliance Party for the sake of Azerbaijan and appointment of Mr. Abdulla Huseyn oghlu Isayev as observer in the whole territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The Commission decided to solve this issue positively.
Mr. Vidadi Mahmudov, CEC Secretary reported on the presentation of Mr. Muzaffar Giyas oghlu Bakhishov appointed member with consultative right to vote by the Civil Solidarity Party, as well as of Mr. Yamil Isa oghlu Mustafayev appointed observer in the whole territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The Commission voted for these issues.
Mr. Ingilab Nasirov, CEC Secretary brought the proposal on the approval of the appointment of Mr. Rauf Allahverdi oghlu Hasanzade as member with consultative right to vote in CEC by the Modern Musavat Party, as well as appointment of Mr. Akif Musa oghlu Mammadov as observer in the whole territory of the republic to notice. CEC participants upheld this proposal.
Mr. Vidadi Mahmudov, CEC Secretary reported on the approval of the appointment of Mr. Elkhan Saleh oghlu Abbasov as member with consultative right to vote in CEC by Lale Shovkat Hajiyeva, candidate to presidency and appointment of Mr. Mahir Mammad oghlu Yagubov as observer in the whole territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The Commission solved this issue positively, too.
Later, Mr. Ingilab Nasirov, CEC Secretary brought the proposal on the approval of the appointment of Mr. Telman Abieli oghlu Gasimov as member with consultative right to vote in CEC by the National Unity Party, as well as on the registration of 50 agents appointed by this party to notice. This issue was decided to be settled positively.
Mr. Vidadi Mahmudov, CEC Secretary reported on the approval of the appointment of Mr. Azad Yusif oghlu Masiyev as member with consultative right to vote in CEC by the Adalet Party and appointment of Mr. Rustam Samad oghlu Hasanov as observer in the whole territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan and on the registration of 50 agents.
Then, Mr. Azer Taghiyev, CEC commissioner reported on the consideration of the entered appeals. CEC commissioners adopted relevant decisions related to complains.

Later, Mr. Fuad Javadov, CEC commissioner declared the results of the lottery conducted with the aim of free airtime division for registered candidates in the Presidential Elections of the Republic of Azerbaijan on October 15, 2003. Commissioners voted for the approval of these results.
Representatives of IFES (International Foundation for Election Systems), National Democracy Institution, embassies of the USA, Japan, representatives of foreign and domestic mass media participated in the CEC session.

CEC Press Service

[21.08.2003]
Seminar for Constituency Election commissioners Regional seminars for Constituency Election commissioners related to Presidential Elections of the Republic of Azerbaijan are continued to be held. On August 21, seminar was held in the Cultural Center named after Shahriyar for commissioners of 29 constituencies located in Baku and commissioners of Jabrayil-Gubadli Con.EC # 120, Shusha-Fizuli-Khojali-Khojavend Con.EC #124 and Zangilan-Gubadli Con.EC # 125.
Seminar was opened by Mr. Mazahir Panahov, CEC Chairman. He congratulated Con.EC commissioners for being elected and informed that CEC organized seminars in 7 regions of the country for legal eduaction and instruction of Con.EC commisioners. CEC Chairman also brought into the attention that such an activity would also be held in Nakhichevan city on August 22.
Later, M.Panahov said that next Preisdential Elections will be an important historical event in public-political life of our country and under such historical condition, Con.ECs carry great responsibility. CEC Chairman who emphasized the importance of the factor of public-political stabilityfor the conduct of transparent and fair elections. CEC Chairman stated that such stability had already been formed at the result of efforts of incumbent government, multi party system was constituted, sensorship was canceled upon mass media, shortly saying, democratic situation was restored. The speaker who thanked the incumbent government stated that Election Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan adopted by the country parliament and enforced by being signed by state head.
CEC Chairman stated that conduct of elections consists of 3 stages. At the first stage candidates are nominated, at the second stage, campaign is conducted, at this stage, voting is held. Speaker who told that first stage is finished and much work was done, informed that second stage began. M. Panahov specially noted that establishment of Con.ECs and PECs is of great importance.
At the seminar, reports of CEC commissioners were heard. Mr. Fuad Javadov, CEC Commissioner reported on the compilement of voters lists and de-registration cards that approves inclusion of voters in voters lists. Telling examples from international practice he stated that, compilement of voters lists was implemented pursuant to Canada and England practice. He informed that before main and supplementary voters lists were for CEC, but now there is single voters list pursuant to Election Code. He talked about other issues concerning the discussed topic.
Mr. Azer Taghiyev, CEC Commissioner, another speaker reported on ensuring equal conditions for registered candidates to presidency, political parties and block of political parties to conduct of pre-election campaign within the constituency. He also informed about the rules and period of pre-election campaign and talked about the role of mass media in the campaign process. A.Taghiyev noted that it should be prevented religious men to conduct campaign and reminded that this issue was reflected in the Constitution.
After Azer Taghiyev, Asif Mahmudov, CEC Commissioner reported on the formation of PECs and coordination of conrtol upon them. He talked about establishment of polling stations, organization rules, duties of PECs and function of commissioners. At the end of seminar, CEC commissioners replied the questions of Con.EC commissioners.
Representatives of mass media participated in the activity.

CEC Press Service

[18.08.2003]
Regional seminars are held for Con.EC commissioners since August 18 up to August 22, 2003 related to the Presidential Elections of the Republic of Azerbaijan pursuant to Article 25.2.7 of Election Code. Trainings organized for the purpose of legal education and instructing election commissioners covers 14 Con.Ecs in 9 regions within the republic (excluding constituencies in Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic). In Nakhichevan city, seminars are considered to be held on August 22 for commissioners of the Con.EC # 1-7. At the seminar, reports on the compilement of voters lists, de-registration cards that approves the inclusion of voters in the voter lists, formation of equal conditions in the constituency for registered candidates, political parties, block of political parties to conduct pre-election campaign, formation of PECs and on other topics. CEC commissioners and official workers of CEC Apparatus reported.
On August 18, seminars were held in Sumgayit, Ali-Bayramli, Goychay and on August 19 in Guba, Shaki and Lankaran. On August 20, seminars are considered to be held in Ganja city and on August 21 in Baku city.
On August 19, at the seminar held in Shaki city, Mr. John Heartland, Deputy of Head of the OSCE/ODIHR mission related to the Presidential Elections of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

CEC Press Service

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[15.08.2003]

The Central Election Commission (CEC) conducted its session chaired by Mr. Mazahir Panahov on August 15, 2003.

Mr. Vidadi Mahmudov, CEC Secretary reported on the registration of candidacies of Mr. Sabir Khudu oghlu Rustamkhanli and Mr. Elshad Nabi oghlu Musayev to presidency of the Republic of Azerbaijan that have been approved and Mr. Ingilab Nasirov, CEC Secretary on the registration of candidacies of Mr. Hafiz Alamdar oghlu Hajiyev, Mr. Ali Amirhuseyn oghlu Karimli, Mr. Chingiz Damir oghlu Sadighov and Mr. Tahir Zayidagha Karimli to presidency that have been approved.

As Mr. Sabir Khudu oghlu Rustamkhanli and Mr. Hafiz Alamdar oghlu Hajiyev whose candidacies to presidency have been approved applied officially on the registration of their candidacies under the condition of not to return voluntary registration deposit, CEC decided to register their candidacies to presidency.

The Commission decided to register the candidacy of Mr. Ali Amirhuseyn oghlu Karimli to presidency as his documents have been formalized in accordance with the requirements of the Election Code .

The candidacies of Mr. Elshad Nabi oghlu Musayev, Mr. Chingiz Damir oghlu Sadighov and Mr. Tahir Zayidagha oghlu Karimli to presidency that have been approved were not registered as valid voters signatures submitted in support of them were insufficient.

Mr. Ingilab Nasirov, CEC Secretary reported on the approval of the appointment of Mr. Elchin Abdulrahim oghlu Mirzabayli member with consultative voting right to CEC by Mr. Gudrat Muzaffar oghlu Hasanguliyev, candidate to presidency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as appointment of Mr. Elbrus Gibleli oghlu Mammadov observer to observe in all areas of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The Commission decided to settle all these issues positively.

At the end of the session, the issue of making modifications in the composition of Constituency Election Commissions (Con.ECs) in Binagadi constituency # 8 and Zardab-Ujar constituencies # 92 was discussed and the relevant decision was adopted.

Representatives of IFES (International Foundation for Election Systems), OSCE/ODIHR, National Democracy Institution, special representation of Secretary General of the Council of Europe, embassies of the USA and Turkey, as well as representatives of foreign and domestic mass media participated in the session.

CEC Press Service

[14.08.2003]

The Central Election Commission (CEC) conducted its session chaired by Mr. Mazahir Panahov on August 14, 2003.Mr. Ingilab Nasirov, CEC Secretary reported on the registration of candidacies of Mr. Hafiz Alamdar oghlu Hajiyev, Mr. Ikhtiyar Alibala oghlu Shirin, Mr. Araz Mammad Mubariz oghlu Alizade, Mrs. Lale-Shovkat Hajiyeva whose candidacies to presidency of the Republic of Azerbaijan have been approved.

The Commission did not register the candidacies of Mr. Hafiz Alamdar oghlu Hajiyev, Mr. Ikhtiyar Alibala oghlu Shirin, and Mr. Araz Mammad Mubariz oghlu Alizade whose candidacies to presidency of the Republic of Azerbaijan have been approved, as the number of valid voters signatures submitted in support of them was insufficient.

CEC decided to register the candidacy of Mrs. Lale-Shovkat Hajiyeva to presidency as she appealed on her registration under the condition of not returning voluntary registration deposit.

Mr. Mazahir Panahov, CEC Chairman reported on the conduct of the voting related to rejection of the registration of the candidacy of Mr. Sabit Khudu oghlu Rustamkhanli to presidency.

The Commission decided not to register the candidacy of Mr. Sabir Khudu oghlu Rustamkhanli to presidency by vote majority.

In the session, Mr. Vidadi Mahmudov, CEC Secretary reported on the results of the consideration of complains entered CEC based on the violations of the requirements of Article 19.3 of the Election Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan by some Constituency Election Commissions (Con.ECs). The issue was comprehensively discussed and in fact, not any violation of law was revealed.

Report of Mrs. Svetlana Gasimova, CEC Deputy Chairman on the modifications made in the composition of Lankaran-Astara Con.EC # 76 was in hearing. It was decided to give consent to making modifications in the composition of this Con.EC.

After the report of Mr. Vidadi Mahmudov, CEC Secretary on the approval of Mr. Ilham Kochari oghlu Ismayilov who has been appointed member with consultative right to vote by the Musavat Party was in hearing, it was decided to approve the appointment of Mr. Ilham Kochari oghlu Ismayilov member with consultative right to vote.

Mr. Ingilab Nasirov, CEC Secretary reported on the consideration of appeals entered the Commission. The Commission decided to send these appeals to the State Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan as appendices to the documents under investigation.

At the end of the session, current issues were discussed.

Representatives of IFES (International Foundation for Election Systems), OSCE/ODIHR, special representation of Secretary General of the Council of Europe, embassies of the USA, Turkey, Japan, as well as representatives of foreign and domestic mass media participated in CEC session.

CEC Press Service

[12.08.2003]