Azerbaijan, Baku, 10 May / Trend corr. E.Babayev / Under the supplements and amendments into the Election Code of Azerbaijan a free of charge air time for the candidates in the TV and Radio Broadcasting of Azerbaijan (AzTV) during the election campaigns were cancelled. MP Zahid Oruj, stated that a prohibition was imposed on air time of candidates in AzTV under the amendments and supplements into the Election Code.
The amendments and supplements were injected into the Election Code as a result of the joint discussions of Azerbaijan with the Venice Commission.
Six hours free of charge air time were envisaged for candidates in AzTV for a week in compliance with the previous version of Election Code.
Under the amendments the candidates have to implement election campaign at their own funds and only through the private channels.
MP stated that the new amendments prohibit placement of agitation materials on the buildings. Special areas will be allocated for candidates' agitation campaign.
The previous version of Election Code did not envisage similar prohibition.
The presidential elections in Azerbaijan will be held on 15 October 2008.
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