The Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan responded to recent statements by the leader of the Caucasus Muslim Office, Sheikh-ul-Islam (a title given to leading theologians in a number of countries - Lenta.Ru note) Allahshukur Pashazade, who before the elections spoke in support of President Ilham Aliyev. Haqqin.az reports this. The Central Election Commission reminded that religious organizations are prohibited from conducting election campaigns.

The ban, as noted by CEC member Almaz Gahramanli, is contained in Article 90 of the Electoral Code of Azerbaijan. “Consequently, the calls of Sheikh-ul-Islam are contrary to the current legislation,” she said.

Article 90 of the Election Code prohibits certain groups of the population—including members of the clergy—from providing financial and other support to candidates and political parties participating in elections.

The leader of the Caucasian Muslim Office spoke out in support of the president last week. According to APA , he noted that with the support of Ilham Aliyev, new mosques are being built and old mosques are being restored. “The merits and good deeds of Ilham Aliyev’s family are indicative. As a believer, I am proud that I have such a president as Ilham Aliyev. God sent us such a person as Ilham Aliyev,” he said.

“Taking all this as a basis, we can declare that we will support the candidacy of Ilham Aliyev and vote for him in the presidential elections,” summarized Allahshukur Pashazade, speaking at a meeting of the MK.

According to the agency, the administrator of the Baku diocese, Father Alexander, also appealed to believers (respectively, to the Orthodox) with a call to vote for the current president in the elections.

Elections in Azerbaijan are scheduled for October. Incumbent President Ilham Aliyev will run for a third term. In the previous elections, according to official data, he received 89 percent of the vote.

Muslim leader reprimanded for campaigning in favor of Ilham Aliyev