16:15, 27 August 2013

Azerbaijani CEC approves arrested ReAl leader Ilgar Mamedov as presidential candidate

Ilgar Mamedov. Photo: Azadlıq Radiosu (RFE/RL)

The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan has approved the nomination of Ilgar Mamedov, 43, the leader of the civil movement "Republican Alternative" (ReAl), who is under arrest and investigation, as a presidential candidate.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the point of Ilgar Mamedov's approval was put on the agenda of the CEC sitting on August 24. However, because of "errors and omissions" detected in his documents, the consideration was postponed indefinitely. However, the CEC gave some time to eliminate the drawbacks.

The ReAl movement found the decision of the CEC illegal; and on August 26 Mamedov's advocate filed a complaint against the CEC to the Baku Court of Appeal (CoA).

However, today the CEC re-examined the issue of Mamedov's approval and adopted a positive decision, said Natig Djafarli, the ReAl's Executive Secretary.

Note that the deadline for submitting signature lists to the CEC is 6:00 p.m. on September 9.

To date, including Ilgar Mamedov, the total number of approved presidential candidates has reached 16 persons.

Author: Faik Medzhid

Source: CK correspondent