Central Election Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan (CEC) conducted its session headed by Mr. Mazahir Panahov on October 10, 2007.

Firstly, session agenda was approved. The agenda included the issues on making amendments and appendices to the Regulations "on the preparation and conduct of the courses for lower election commission officials and on Constituency Election Commission Secretariat” in regard with the implementation of Order "on the approval of National Activity Plan on the protection of human rights in the Republic of Azerbaijan” given by Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
CEC Chairman stated that according to Order "on the approval of National Activity Plan on the protection of human rights in the Republic of Azerbaijan”, extensive discussions were conducted concerning the implementation of the duties put upon CEC. Many concrete activities were implemented and in accordance with the requirements of this document, relevant reports were provided to Working Group of the Republic and Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan. With the aim of increasing professional practice of lower election commissioners and strengthening of educational affairs in election field, conduct of relevant courses at the base of and together with State Administration Academy under Presidential Apparatus of the Republic of Azerbaijan was considered useful. He gave floor to Mrs. Svetlana Gasimova, CEC Deputy Chairman to report on the works implemented.

Deputy Chairman stated that according to the volume of educational materials, Academic program and Calendar-thematic plan were prepared at 36 hours’ volume and table for weekly study was compiled. Including the conduct of meetings and cultural activities besides studies for the Con.EC chairmen who are to participate in the courses specialized on election law, activity program was compiled for holding courses and sample of Certificate on Short-term improvement of professional skills that is to be submitted to the Con.EC chairmen who are to participate in the courses.

CEC considered primary period of the preparation works related with the execution of the Order finished and regarded useful to start study courses since second half of October. CEC decided to conduct courses specialized on election law for the Con.EC chairmen by being divided into 4 groups since October 16, 2007 according to Academic program compiled in regard with the organization of the courses. At the same time, the Commission approved the sample of Certificate on Short-term improvement of professional skills that is to be submitted to the Con.EC chairmen who are to participate in courses specialized on election law.

Later, Mr. Natig Mammadov, CEC Secretary reported on making amendments and appendices to the Regulation "on Constituency Election Commission Secretariat”. CEC adopted decision on the approval of the draft of amendments and appendices made to the Regulation.

At the session, current issues were also discussed.

At the CEC session, representatives the USA embassy, IFES (International Foundation for Election Systems) and mass media also took part.