14:30, 25 August 2013

CEC of Azerbaijan registers Ilham Aliev as presidential candidate

The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan has registered the incumbent head of state Ilham Aliev as a presidential candidate for the election to be held on October 9.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on June 7 the ruling party "Yeni Azerbaijan" unanimously nominated President Ilham Aliev as a presidential candidate from the party.

Today, Mazakhir Panakhov, the head of the CEC, said that the documents submitted by Aliev meet the requirements of the legislation, therefore, there are all legal reasons to register him as a presidential candidate. 45,000 signatures were submitted to the CEC in Aliev's support.

According to the Electoral Code, at least 40,000 valid signatures are needed to have a candidate registered. Thus, by decision of the CEC Ilham Aliev has become the first registered presidential candidate in Azerbaijan.

Leaders of the oppositional parties and movements consider Ilham Aliev's nomination for presidency for the third time in a row illegitimate.

Author: Faik Medzhid

Source: CK correspondent