In recent days, SMS messages sent to citizens on behalf of the Central Election Commission (CEC) regarding early presidential elections have sparked debate on social networks.
Yeniavaz.com reports that some members of the social network express dissatisfaction with the fact that SMS messages are sent continuously every day.
Economist expert Allahverdi Aydin, who shared this issue on his social network, claims that SMS sent on behalf of the CEC are illegal.
The economist says that it is unknown how much money the CEC spends on sent SMS:
“Mobile operators provide bulk SMS services, which we call “Bulk SMS,” not directly, but through partner companies. The CEC must also provide this service through some company(s). To do this, at a minimum, a tender must be held. But there is no such tender. In other words, SMS messages sent by the CEC are illegal. If the Accounts Chamber wants, it can easily ask the CEC to account for this...”

Allahverdi Aydin

Head of the Media and Communications Department of the CEC Secretariat Shahin Asadli, who spoke in a statement to Yeniavaz.com, said that the SMS message sent to citizens is a social project implemented jointly by the CEC and the Ministry of Communications and High Technologies through mobile operators, and there is no funding for it not provided.
In response to a request from Yeniavaz.com, Azercell, one of the mobile operators that sends SMS to citizens, claims that SMS are sent free of charge:
“In the modern world, leading companies attach particular importance to corporate social responsibility, which includes various aspects: from sports to culture and art, from education to healthcare, from the environment to the economy. Since its establishment, Azercell Telekom LLC has been paying special attention to social responsibility and participating in various projects aimed at all segments of the population. In this regard, Azercell Telekom LLC sends information SMS messages calling on all voters to actively participate in the presidential elections.

Elnur Ali