Excerpt from report by Azerbaijani TV station ANS on 8th
September

[Presenter in studio] The formation of territorial electoral
commissions for holding the municipal elections on 12th
December [1999] was completed today. The next stage is the
formation of precinct electoral commissions. Jafar Valiyev,
chairman of the Central Electoral Commission [CEC], says the
CEC will not intervene in the formation of precincts. The
following is a report by Saadat Mammadova.

[Correspondent, over video showing Valiyev at CEC sitting]
Today the CEC fulfilled its key pledge during the process of
preparing municipal elections. Although there were numerous
disputes in the process of lots-casting the formation of
territorial electoral commissions was concluded according to
schedule, i.e. on 8th September. Valiyev said that 74
territorial electoral commissions had been organized throughout
the republic. He said that the CEC had obtained a number of
reports regarding ambiguities during the lots-casting process
and all the complaints were examined. We submitted facts,
figures and all the necessary documents to all complainants and
explained to them that not all the complaints were justified.

The majority agreed with us and acknowledged their mistakes,
Valiyev said. He noted that the members of CEC had investigated
the cases on the spot and took the relevant measures in
connection with the complaints.

Certain changes were made in the composition of the
Yasamal [district of Baku] and [town of] Sheki territorial
electoral commissions, from which the CEC had received
complaints. The result was annulled altogether in Narimanov
district [of Baku] and the commission was formed again. All the
74 commissions were supplied with premises and phones. Valiyev
also pointed out that an all-republican conference, with the
participation of the commission chairmen, would be held in a
few days. [Passage omitted: foreign organizations'
representatives in Azerbaijan are also invited to attend this
conference].

Valiyev said that the CEC would not intervene directly in
the formation of precincts. But if formal complaints are
lodged, then cases can be examined [by the CEC]. Asked about
the CEC's schedule for the future, Valiyev said that the next
stage would be the organization of on-site seminars. The CEC
will also do its best to educate the population about the
municipalities. Saadat Mammadova, ANS.

Source: ANS TV, Baku, in Azeri 1630 gmt 08 Sep 99
BBC Mon TCU 090999 cal/fa