OFFICIAL NEWS
STATEMENT CENTRAL ELECTION COMMISSIONREPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN
This program was ignoring the fact that the agitational campaigning of registered Presidential contenders stopped on October 14, 2003 at 8 a.m. Despite of the fact, this program was fully dedicated to one of the Presidential contenders, Isa Gambar, to his election campaign and in the whole to his illegal agitation. Despite of numerous protests to this state TV channel of Iran on behalf of the related governmental structures of the Republic of Azerbaijan to stop air of these programs, these programs are being broadcast until now in the regions of Azerbaijan bordering on Iran.
Existence of this fact, only few hours before voting, when campaigning in Azerbaijan was already stopped proves that these actions were taken by intention. These actions, contradicting the principles of existing interstate relationships between Azerbaijan and Iran, roughly violating international legal norms, can be considered as interference into internal affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and disrespect against sovereignty, as well as violation of the articles of the Election Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
According to the Election Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, foreign states, foreign juridical persons and foreign citizens are prohibited to be involved into the campaigning.
This fact was negatively accepted by people living in the borderline regions of Azerbaijan and arose their protest.
Many people applying to the Central Election Commission condemned the attempts of pressure and interference in the course of campaigning.
Despite of rough interference of the neighboring state into campaigning in Azerbaijan, monitors representing international organizations and friendly states announced that people have chosen the way of democracy as the only possible one, and are confident that that the Presidential elections in Azerbaijan will be held in free, transparent, fair situation meeting all international standards.
Central Election Commission express regret over this incident and states that actions of the kind cannot interfere determination of Azerbaijani voters.