Municipal Elections were declared in the Republic of Azerbaijan - 21.10.2014

Central Election Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan (CEC) conducted its following session chaired by Mr.Mazahir Panahov on October 21, 2014.

Firstly, the issue on the appointment of the following Municipal elections in the Republic of Azerbaijan was considered at the session of the Commission. By emphasizing richexperience gained by local self-governing institutes during 15 years of their existence and their role in the life of society which is constantly increasing annually, CEC Chairman stated that term of office of municipalities terminate in the end of this year. Therefore, Municipal elections shall be appointed at least 60 days earlier and 15035 members to 1607 municipalities shall be elected within the country in comply with the Election Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Municipal elections will encompass generally 118 election constituencies excluding 7 constituencies which are under occupation.

After the CEC members were made familiar with the decision draft on the appointment of the elections, a decision was adopted on the appointment of the following Municipal elections to Wednesday, December 23, 2014.

Later, "Calendar Plan for the basic activities and measures on the preparation and conduct of the Municipal elections in the Republic of Azerbaijan” was approved upon its discussion.

The issue on the establishment of Expert Group under CEC to investigate the citizens’ complaints against the actions (inactions) and decisions which violate the election right was considered at the session. Expert Group consisting of 9 persons including the Commission members and Secretariat officials was established under CEC by CEC decision. The Con.ECs were commissioned with the establishment of Expert Groups of 3 persons under the Con.ECs in comply with legal requirements no later than the period defined by law.

At the session Working Group of the specialists from the relevant state organizations was established to check the accuracy of the information included in the submitted signature sheets and the documents attached to them upon considering the probability and necessity of investigating them at CEC regarding the candidate registration in Municipal elections on December 23, 2014.

Current issues were also considered at the session of the Commission.

Representatives of international organizations and mass media also took part at the session.