[31.05.2005]
The Central Election Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan (CEC) conducted conference “on improving election practice in the Republic of Azerbaijan” in the assembly hall of government building on May 31, 2005 related to the compile, specification of voter lists and issue of voter cards by the order of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated on May 11, 2005. CEC commissioners, chairmen of Constituency Election Commissions (Con.ECs) and responsible officials of CEC Secretariat participated at the conference.
Mr. Mazahir Panahov opened the CEC conference. CEC Chairman who noted the exceptional importance of President’s order “on improving election practice in the Republic of Azerbaijan” dated on May 11, 2005, also stated since signing this order up today, he had met with representatives of most international organizations and embassies and these persons highly appreciated the above-mentioned order by the head of the government.
He noted that this document puts strict obligations upon election commissions and requirements caused by this order must form the basis of the activity of Con.ECs and Precinct Election Commissions (PECs).
Mr. Mazahir Panahov reminded of the concrete duties put upon CEC once more. CEC Chairman noted that one of them is connected with education of voters and lower election commissioners. By stating that CEC deals with this work and the order above-mentioned puts this issue more seriously, he also noted that regional conference will be held from June 7 up to June 14 and CEC commissioners will be sent on an official trips in order to participate in these conferences. Chairman of the Commission noted that after ending regional conferences, trainings will begin and the participation of all Con.EC and PEC members is urgent.
Mr. Mazahir Panahov noted that illegal interference in elections is specially emphasized in the order. If structures of local executive power and other organizations allow such interference, then CEC should be immediately informed about it and such cases should be prevented.
Chairman also gave instructions to Con.EC chairmen on forming facilities for the conduct of exit-polls (inquiries). He noted that head of the government will invite organizations of international respect to our country to deal with this work.
CEC Chairman directed the attention of Con.EC chairmen to the registration of candidacies of citizens. He informed that citizens should be helped at this as much as law basis permits.
Mr. Mazahir Panahov gave strict instructions to the Con.EC chairmen on providing each voter with voter cards. CEC Chairman also stated that specification of single voter lists was ended and to continue the specification process related to this issue is very important.
Later, Mr. Igbal Babayev, head of “Sechkilar” Information Center under CEC was given speech. He also talked about the importance of the known order by President and noted that besides many issues, this order also contains provisions related to single voter lists.Head of the Center informed about the works done in this field.
At the conference, some Con.EC chairmen also talked about the importance of the order by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan “on improving election practice” dated on May 11, 2005.
At the end, by making final speech, Mr. Mazahir Panahov, CEC Chairman stated about the requirement serious mastering and realization of the order above-mentioned by Con.EC and PEC commissioners.
Representatives of IFES (Interantional Foundation for Election Systems) also participated at the activity.

CEC Press Service

[30.05.2005]
The Central Election Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan conducted its session headed by Mr. Mazahir Panahov on May 30, 2005.
Firstly, session minutes by the Commission dated on May 2 and May 3, 2005 were approved.
Later, Mr. Natig Mammadov, CEC Secretary reported on the return of voter lists to the relevant Constituency Election Commissions (Con.ECs) for approval by Con.ECs and Precinct Election Commissions (PECs) related to putting end to the specification of voter lists by CEC. CEC decided that summarizing the amendments in the voter lists shall be ended and voter lists shall be returned to relevant Con.ECs for the approval by Con.ECs and PECs.
CEC also adopted decisions on making amendments in the composition of some Con.ECs.
At the session, current issues were also considered.
Representatives of domestic mass media also participated at the CEC session.

CEC Press Service

[03.05.2005]
The Central Election Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan (CEC) conducted its session headed by Mr. Mazahir Panahov on May 3, 2005.
Mr. Natig Mammadov, CEC Secretary reported on the issue on depriving Ismayil Abbas oghlu Omarov from the deputy mandate who had been elected deputy to the Milli Majlis from the territory of the Khachmaz Con.EC # 92. The Commission decided that I.A.Omarov`s deputy mandate shall be terminated by Public Broadcasting Council as he was elected chief director of Public TV and Radio Broadcasting Company.
At the session, current issues were also considered.
Representatives of the USA Embassy, IFES (International Foundation for Election Systems) and domestic mass media also participated at the CEC session.

CEC Press Service

[02.05.2005]
The Central Election Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan (CEC) conducted its session headed by Mr. Mazahir Panahov on May 2, 2005.
Firstly, session minutes by the Commission dated on January 6, 11 and 19, February 10, March 29 and April 9, 2005 were approved.
Later, CEC adopted decisions on making amendments in the composition of Sharur-Sadarak Con.EC # 1, Sharur Con.EC # 2, Imishli Con.EC # 79 and Aghdam Con.EC # 119.
At the session, current issues were also considered.
Representatives of domestic mass media also participated at the CEC session.