On the eve of the Presidential Elections of the Republic of Azerbaijan, regional and zonal seminar-sessions for members of district election commission are being held. A seminar for members of district election commission situated in the city of Baku, in culture center after Shakhriyar electoral district and Jabrail-Gubatli No 120, Shusha-Fizuli-Khojali-Hojavand No 124, Zangilan-Gubatli No 125 electoral districts was held on August 21.

The seminar was opened by Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) Mazahir Panakhov. Having congratulated the members of district election commissions on their election, he announced that CEC has already held seven regional seminars to give legal knowledge and instructing members of district election commissions. Chairman of CEC pointed out that seminar of the kind is to be held in Nakhchivan on August 22.

Panakhov underlined that next Presidential elections is an important historical event in public and political life of our country, and under these circumstances, members of election commissions carry a special responsibility. He pointed out that public and political stability is the most important factor to hold open and fair elections, Chairman of CEC said this stability, multi party system, termination of censorship in mass media, in other words democratic situation was achieved due to efforts of the authorities.

Expressing gratitude to the authorities for it, Chairman stressed that the Election Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, adopted by the Parliament of the republic and came into effect after signed by the President, had been improved compared to the previous electoral code.

Chairman of CEC announced that the process of Presidential Elections would consist of three stages.

District election commissions, contenders are nominated and registered at the first stage, the campaign is held at the second stage, and the third stage is voting itself. The first stage is over and now we are at the second stage of the process, Chairman said.

Members of CEC made reports at the seminar. Member of CEC, Fuad Javadov made a report on making up the list of voters, striking off certificate, confirming that voters are included into the register. Giving examples of world practice, he pointed out that the register of voters was done basing on experience of Canada and England. He informed that previously main and extra registers of voters existed, but today, thee is a single register, as reflected in the Election Code. He touched upon other issues related to that topic.

CEC member Azar Tagiyev reported on creation of equal conditions for pre-electoral campaign of registered presidential contenders, political parties and blocks of political parties in the territory of an electoral district. He announced on rules and terms of electoral campaign, especially pointed out the role of mass media in this process, Tagiyev underlined non-acceptance of agitation held by religious figures, and reminded that this issue is reflected in the Constitution.

Further, Asif Makhmudov, CEC member made speech on forming up of district electoral commission, coordination of control over their activities. He noted the creation, rules of organization of electoral districts, told in details on tasks of district election commissions and guarantees of commission members’ activities.

In conclusion, members of CEC answered the questions of the audience. The function was held with the participation of mass media.

Press service of Central Election Commission.