Expert: September 26 referendum opens new stage of modernization in country’s political system

By Azernews

By Gunay Hasanova

The society will benefit from the constitutional referendum set for September 26, political scientist, Professor of Western University Fikret Sadikhov told Day.Az.

He noted that any society and political system should be improved and reformed from time to time.

“Needs of recent years and the ongoing changes in the geopolitical situation, as well as the increasing role of Azerbaijan in the region require various transformations in the country. Therefore, introduction of certain amendments to the Constitution is a natural phenomenon,” said Sadikhov, adding that many states improve their political system and conduct government reforms by amending the basic law of the country.

He also stressed that such changes are made based on the decision of voters.

“Voters themselves decide how to express their position: to agree with certain amendments to the Constitution or not. It is the right of each voter”, Sadikhov said.

 Sadikhov also commented on proposals to increase the President’s office term from five to seven years and introduction of the Vice-Presidency Institution.

“Amendments to the Constitution regarding the increase of presidential term and introduction of posts of First Vice-President and Vice-Presidents are acceptable and consistent with the status of our state. All these are new stage of modernization and improvement of country’s political system”, said the analyst, adding that all the amendments fully comply with the requirements and challenges our country faced in recent years.

Previously, the Director of the Institute of Political Studies of the Academy of Public Administration under the President, Elman Nasirov also said that the creation of the institute of vice-presidency is a new milestone in the public administration system since experience of other countries in the world, as well as neighboring counties allow to conclude that this institute is very effective in terms of good governance, operational decision making and implementation.

September 26, 2016 was set as the date for referendum on proposed changes to the constitution of Azerbaijan.

In a bill recently sent to the Constitutional Court, President Ilham Aliyev proposed  amendments to 29 Articles of Azerbaijan’s current constitution. The changes envisage extension of the presidential term from five to seven years, establishment of the first vice-president and vice-president positions in the country as well as abolishment of minimum age limit for presidential candidates, dissolution of parliament by the president.

Final results of the Referendum will be announced till October 21.

The last time changes to the Constitution were made seven years ago, following Constitutional referendum held in 2009.