Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 6
Trend:
The proposed amendments to Azerbaijan’s constitution will serve for a stable development of the country, contribute to improvement of the government system, said Emil Huseynli, head of the ‘Support for Youth Development – Dushunje’ Public Association, speaking to Trend Sept. 6.
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 positions 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 parliament and announce an early presidential election.
Moreover, the draft envisages elimination of age restrictions in the presidential election, as well as reducing the age limit from 25 to 18 years to participate in the parliamentary election.
Emil Huseynli said these additions and changes will serve for a sustainable development of Azerbaijan on the backdrop of current economic and political challenges and complex geopolitical processes.
“The proposed constitutional amendments and changes envisage expanding human rights and freedoms, defining new requirements related to activity of Azerbaijan’s legislative branch as well as strengthening the institute of presidency,” he said.
“In particular, about two-thirds of the changes are associated with strengthening of human rights and freedoms,” Huseynli added. “The amendments to be made to the constitution on abolition of the age limit will create an opportunity for political activity of literate, prospective young people.”
He noted that the changes to Azerbaijan’s constitution are inevitable because rapid economic and political changes taking place in the world make it necessary to further improve the government system in the country.