The Central Election Commission (CEC) held the first session in its new composition on April 27, 2026.

Chairman, Deputy Chairman and two Secretaries of the organization were elected at the Commission session.

Ms. Sahiba Gafarova, Chairperson of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan also attended the session.

Chairperson of the Milli Majlis noted that the formation of the new composition of the Central Election Commission reflected the stability of the democratic institutions and the steadiness of the political and legal system of the state. She also emphasized that elections and referendums played a major role in Azerbaijan’s democratic development.

Ms. S. Gafarova stated: “Elections are the fundamental mechanism for expressing the will of the people and an important means of strengthening confidence in society and state institutions. In this regard, it is essential that elections are prepared and conducted in accordance with the law. The level of a country’s democratic development depends on how transparently elections are organized. The world is changing rapidly and the requirements for the electoral process are increasing. In this context, CEC carries great responsibility. I believe that has fulfilled its duties accurately, the Commission, nowadays has got a specific stand in the political system of the country”.

Later, Mr. Mazahir Panahov, eldest member of CEC opened the first session of the Commission in its new composition.

Afterwards, election for the Chairman, Deputy Chairman and Secretaries of the Central Election Commission were held through the open voting.

Mr. Mazahir Panahov was unanimously elected as the Chairman of the Central Election Commission.

Expressing gratitude to all members of the Milli Majlis for their confidence in the new composition of CEC, Mr. Mazahir Panahov noted that the existing requirements by the Commission remain in force and will become even stricter. He also added that the Commission functions in accordance with the requirements of the Election Code.

Mr. Panahov emphasized: “In Azerbaijan, there are more than 30,000 members of lower-level election commissions. All election commission buildings are equipped with modern devices and equipment. Working conditions in all constituencies are organized at a level that could serve as an example to the world. Azerbaijan has also presented a unique example in terms of transparency. Thus, webcams have been installed at 1000 polling stations. It is possible to observe the election process live by accessing the CEC website without the requirement of an additional registration or permission. All the above-mentioned are the reasonable result of the political will of President Mr. Ilham Aliyev and the devotion to CEC by First Vice-President Ms. Mehriban Aliyeva”.

Chairman Mr. Mazahir Panahov once again expressed gratitude to President Mr. Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Ms. Mehriban Aliyeva on behalf of the Central Election Commission.

At the end of the session, through the voting, Mr. Rovzat Gasimov was elected CEC Deputy Chairman, Mrs. Arifa Mukhtarova was elected CEC Secretary, representing independent deputies with no political party affiliation at the Milli Majlis and Mr. Mikayil Rahimov was elected CEC Secretary, representing political parties with minority representation at the Milli Majis.