Aydin Mirzazade: "We will witness large-scale reforms"

By Azernews

By Gunay Hasanova

The September 26 referendum on constitutional amendments was held transparently and successfully without any incidents, said MP Aydin Mirzazade.

He stressed that all necessary conditions for holding the free and transparent expression of the will were created during the referendum, Day.Az reported.

Mirzazade noted that electoral list lacked any problems, adding that there were many international observers, who expressed satisfaction regarding the organization of the referendum and said that the voting process took place without any violations.

The MP went on to say that according to the Exit poll results, the vast majority of people in the referendum expressed their support for the changes and amendments to the Constitution.

All of these changes and amendments are necessary, said the parliamentarian, adding that Azerbaijan as a part of its development process is moving from one stage to another and that’s why each new stage has its own demands.

The MP reminded that Azerbaijan's population was 7 million people and the budget revenues -$200-$300 million in 1991.  “At that time the international community did not recognize us. Currently, the population of our country is 10 million people. Azerbaijan is an authoritative and recognized member of the international community. In addition, the state budget revenues and foreign exchange reserves of the country have increased significantly,” he said.

Mirzazade further mentioned that repeatedly there were stated that 2016 will be a year of changes.

"Hence, it happened this year, we have witnessed many reforms, reforms aimed at the improvement of the socio-economic state of the country. This process will continue after referendum as well and we will witness large-scale reforms,” said the MP.

Azerbaijan held a nationwide vote on amending the country's founding law – the Constitution on September 26. The citizens of Azerbaijan were asked to express their will by repealing or accepting particular changes and proposals through a direct vote.

As many as 117 international observers – MPs from over 30 countries as well as observers from various international organizations, including the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) – were accredited by Azerbaijan’s CEC to observe the referendum.

Observers fixed high activity of the population, while no serious breach of law was registered. The number of polling stations in the referendum was 5,600 and there were about 10 observers in each polling station.

Final results of the nationwide vote will be announced until October 21. 

Previously, referendums were also held in Azerbaijan in 1995, 2002. The last time changes to the Constitution were made seven years ago, following Constitutional referendum held in 2009.