Baku: The Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC), Mazahir Panahov, announced that there might be a need to completely ban filming at polling stations if citizens’ consent is not secured during elections. Panahov emphasized that filming individuals without their permission on election day is not permissible, as reported by APA during a recent meeting.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Panahov highlighted that the occurrence of such incidents could compel the CEC to enforce a total ban on filming at polling stations. He noted that individuals attempting to justify unauthorized filming could lead to dissatisfaction, but encouraged those affected to prepare relevant reports. While acknowledging the role of social media as a general trend, Panahov stressed that media representatives should inform individuals about the impermissibility of such actions. He clarified that media personnel do not have the right to enter polling stations without permission, although exceptions have been made to allow filming by observers and the media as a special case.

Panahov expressed that the behavior observed at polling stations recently reflects a civilized approach, attributing this to the educational efforts undertaken by the CEC. These efforts aim to foster understanding and respect for the rules governing conduct at polling stations, ensuring that the electoral process is conducted smoothly and without unnecessary disruptions.