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The candidacy of Rustam Ibrahimbekov named by the Azerbaijan's opposition coalition National Council of Democratic forces for presidency has not been confirmed by the CEC. At the same time, the candidacy of Ilgar Mamedov, the imprisoned Azerbaijani leader of "REAL" movement, was approved.

According to the Azerbaijani news agency APA, the decision in this connection was taken at yesterday’s Azerbaijani CEC meeting.
CEC Secretary Arifa Mukhtarova stated that Vladimir Dorokhin, Russian Ambassador to Azerbaijan, has replied to the enquiry saying that Rustam Ibrahimbekov is a citizen of the Russian Federation since November 28, 1991. Secretary of the Central Election Commission also stated that CEC has reviewed the documents on Rustam Ibrahimbekov’s candidacy and has concluded that "the documents have no legal basis." "The basis of this decision has served the fact of his citizenship and obligations to Russia," she said.

At the meeting information about the queries addressed to the relevant bodies of Azerbaijan and Russia were also provided. It was also noted that Rustam Ibrahimbekov lived in Azerbaijan only 1,163 days out of his 74 years. As a result, the CEC decided not to approve of Rustam Ibragimbekov’s candidacy.

At the same time, the Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan has endorsed Ilgar Mamedov’s, the Chairman of "REAL" movement, candidacy for the presidential election. CEC Secretary Arifa Mukhtarova stated during the meeting that Ilgar Mammadov’s documents received by the CEC were reviewed and it was decided that they have a legal basis.

It was also noted at the meeting that the chairman of the movement "REAL" Ilgar Eldar oglu Mammadov had nominated his candidacy by his own initiative. During the meeting, Khalid Zakir oglu Bagirov was approved as Ilgar Mamedov’s authorized representative.

The presidential elections are scheduled in Azerbaijan on 9 October 2013. The previous presidential elections were held on 15 October 2008. The current president Ilham Aliyev is on this position for two terms already - since 2003. In March 2009 a referendum on making amendments to the Constitution was held in Azerbaijan, which repealed the restriction on one person remaining in office for more than two consecutive terms. The Venice Commission of the Council of Europe stated in this regard, "Giving one person the right to be repeatedly elected to the presidency is seen as a step backwards in the development of democracy."

CEC has confirmed the candidacy of incumbent President Ilham Aliyev, who is running for a third term. Unified within the National Council of Democratic Forces opposition has put forward its own candidate – the famous screenwriter Rustam Ibrahimbekov.
Professor of history Jamil Hasanli was elected backup united candidate for presidency by the National Council of Azerbaijan on August 24. Another candidate for president, leader of the movement "REAL" Ilham Mammadov is in jail. He was accused of organizing riots in Ismaili district of Azerbaijan, although the police did not allow him to appear in the scene. Mamedov is in investigative isolation ward since February 2013.