Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

The Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan (CEC) appealed on August 15to the media in connection with the need to comply with legal requirements of the election campaign before the upcoming presidential elections in Azerbaijan.

The process of nomination and approval of presidential candidates and collection of signatures in support of approved candidates is currently underway.

According to the electoral law, the campaign can only be conducted from September 16 until 18:00 on October 8 and only by subjects authorized for such an activity as defined in the legislation and in compliance with the rules, the CEC reported.

According to the CEC, publication and dissemination of materials in the media, which contradict the above mentioned requirements and may cause violation of the terms and rules prescribed by law for the election campaign, as well as of campaign materials that are in favor of or against any candidate (approved candidate), or could be interpreted in such way, are prohibited.

"In accordance with the democratic requirements for ensuring free, fair and transparent elections, which play a crucial role in the fate of the country, it is very important for the media, playing an important role in this process, to act in accordance with the law," the CEC noted.

The appeal also stressed that the CEC recommends the media to follow the requirements of the law. The CEC also believes that the leaders of the media outlets will play an important role in strengthening the country's international image and carry out their duties with dignity during this significant national event.

The presidential elections will be held in Azerbaijan on October 9.

Azerbaijani citizens who have the right of election, an initiative group of electors, political parties and blocs of political parties have the right to nominate candidates.

The documents of the candidates are to be submitted to the CEC from August 20 to September 9.

A candidate who gets a signature list should return it within a week and after that the CEC will solve the issue regarding his/her official registration.

The official election campaign will begin 23 days before the election. It will take place from September 19 to October 8.

Free airtime and space for publications will be allocated for registered presidential candidates as part of the pre-election campaign. Free air time will be allocated to the candidates on Public Television and Radio Broadcasting company, while space for publications will be provided in Azerbaijan, Khalq Gazeti, Respublika and Bakinskiy Rabochiy newspapers.

If other broadcasters and periodicals decide to allocate paid air time and space for publication within the pre-election campaign, they are required to notify the CEC. Information about the conditions and payment is to be published no later than 35 days after the official announcement of the decision to schedule the elections.