Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

The media group under Azerbaijan's Central Election Commission (CEC) has issued a statement on the dissemination of pre-election campaign materials and called on media outlets to meet the requirements of domestic legislation.

The statement said a very important phase of the upcoming presidential elections, pre-election campaigning, is in progress.

"The legislation provides every condition and equal opportunities for authorized individuals to conduct election campaigning at this phase," the CEC said.

According to the statement, on the eve of the campaigning, the CEC informed respective entities and persons about the significance of the media's role "in conducting free, fair and transparent elections in accordance with the requirements of democracy, the importance of bringing their activity into compliance with the requirements of the legislation, and, by and large, the process is ongoing in line with the legislation."

However, such leading foreign media as Radio Azadliq TV, Voice of America and the BBC, which are broadcast in Azerbaijan and are not entitled to take part in election campaigning, in conduct illegal campaigning under the pretext of covering the election process, thus turn into those representing some political interests and violate the right of voters to obtaining fair information, the CEC said.

"Expressing regret over the developments, the press group under the Central Election Commission states that in accordance with the requirements of the election legislation, the campaigning can be conducted only by individuals authorized to do so, with the tools stipulated by the legislation and pursuant to the rules from September 16 to October 8, at 8:00," the statement said.

According to the CEC, it is strictly forbidden to publish and circulate in the media campaign materials contradicting the above-mentioned requirements which lead to the violation of pre-election campaigning rules in favor or to the detriment of any candidate or can be interpreted this way, especially by the media, which have no right to do so.

The statement said such illegal campaigning does not only lead to the violation of the rights of individuals against whom it is directed but also imposes legal legislative responsibility upon the individuals who are benefiting from this campaigning.

The CEC media group also underlined the importance of strict observance of the legislative requirements by media outlets, brought to their attention that failing to comply with these requirements may cause legal responsibility, and believes that heads of these entities and other media representatives will worthily fulfill the assumed duties.

Free airtime and space for publications are allocated for registered presidential candidates as part of the pre-election campaign. Free air time is allocated on Public Television and Radio Broadcasting company, while space for publications is 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.

CEC spokesman Azer Sariyev told the Baku-based Trend news agency on September 26 that Azerbaijani citizens who will not be at the places of permanent registration during the presidential elections can cast absentee ballots in their actual places of residence or location.

According to him, the process of the issuance of absentee voting certificates is envisaged in Azerbaijan's Electoral Code. A voter can obtain an absentee voting certificate within 25-45 days before the elections from the district electoral commission or within 24-30 days from the precinct election commission.

An absentee ballot certificate is issued on the basis of a notification indicating the reasons for obtaining it to the voter or his/her representative based on a notarized letter of attorney. The notification is reviewed within two days. A voter can receive an absentee voting certificate only once.

Azerbaijani citizens may also vote at polling stations set up in the embassies and consulates of their country abroad.