Rustam Ibragimbekov challenges CEC's refusal to allow him to run for presidency

Today, the appeal of Rustam Ibragimbekov, Chairman of the National Council of Democratic Forces (NCDF), against the refusal of the Central Election Commission (CEC) to allow him participating in the run for the presidency of Azerbaijan has been filed to the Baku Court of Appeal, and it is to be considered on August 30. This was reported by advocate Fuad Agaev.

Let us remind you that on August 27, the CEC refused to approve the documents submitted by Rustam Ibragimbekov, a script writer and the leader of the NCDF. The CEC has explained the refusal by the fact that Rustam Ibragimbekov has Russian citizenship and has no permanent residence in the country for the recent 10 years.

According to the version of the Rustam Ibragimbekov's advocate, the decision of the CEC is biased and incompetent from a legal point of view. According to the Fuad Agaev's version, the concepts of "two citizenships" and "dual citizenship" suggest completely different statuses.

Fuad Agaev has emphasized that Azerbaijan has an agreement with Russia on dual citizenship and does not prohibit its citizens to be citizens of other states. And, according to the advocate's statement, the CEC's arguments about the non-permanent residence of Rustam Ibragimbekov in Azerbaijan "cannot stand any criticism", since his client has a house in Azerbaijan and has been registered in the local community.

Fuad Agaev has reported that if the appeal of Rustam Ibragimbekov is granted on August 30, on the next day, his client will obtain signature sheets to collect 40,000 voters' signatures required for registration.

In the case if the Court of Appeal pronounces negative decision, it will be challenged at the Supreme Court (SC), which shall consider the issue within three days. Even in such a scenario, Rustam Ibragimbekov will have about 5-7 days to collect signatures, the advocate has clarified.