Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 2
By Elchin Mehdiyev – Trend:
A referendum on introduction of amendments and additions to Azerbaijan's constitution scheduled for September 26 is a logical continuation of state building reforms being implemented in the country, Azerbaijani MP, lawyer of the Civil Society campaign group for the referendum Bakhtiyar Aliyev told Trend Sept. 2.
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev signed an order to hold a referendum Sept. 26 for making amendments to the country’s constitution.
The draft of Referendum Act ‘On Amendments to the Constitution of Azerbaijan’ provides for creation of the post of first vice-president and vice-president of the country, extension of the presidential term from five to seven years, giving the powers to president to dissolve the Milli Majlis (Parliament) and announce early presidential election.
Moreover, the draft envisages elimination of age restrictions in the presidential election, as well as reduction of the age limit from 25 to 18 years to participate in the parliamentary election.
The referendum is a logical continuation of economic, political, legal reforms ongoing in Azerbaijan, Bakhtiyar Aliyev said.
The current level of Azerbaijan's development makes it necessary to introduce amendments and additions to the constitution, he noted.
Provisions protecting human rights to an even greater extent will be approved in the constitution in the result of the referendum, as well as favorable conditions for improving democracy will be created, Azerbaijani MP said.
The main thing is that statehood and protection of the rights of citizens will be strengthened, thus, amendments to Azerbaijan’s constitution will ensure the country's transition to a new level of democratic processes, he added.