POLITICS
US AMBASSADOR IN AZERBAIJAN MEETS CEC CHIEF
US ambassador in Azerbaijan Anne Derse met Wednesday with Chairman of the Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan Mazahir Panahov.
Derse said free and fair conduct of elections is the indicator of democracy. According to her, US is keen on strengthening democratic institutions in Azerbaijan. She praised CEC`s activity towards education programs for local election commission and verifying voter`s lists. US ambassador was also curious about the CEC`s plans to prepare for the presidential elections.
Mazahir Panahov said CEC is satisfied with cooperation with the US embassy. He assured Derse that CEC would take every step to ensure free, fair and transparent conduct of upcoming elections, and that electoral rights of Azerbaijan nationals would be fully ensured. Under the National Action Plan for Human Rights, courses, seminars were organized for precinct and election commissions. Moreover, a seminar for media was also held. The hotline is available for verifying voters` list, Panahov added.