Azernews.Az

By Nigar Abbasova

Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation (ATUC) and 24 NGOs (non-governmental organizations) held a meeting of initiators to create an initiative group in connection with the constitutional referendum, scheduled for September 26. The initiative group, that was created during the meeting was called "Civil Society".

Participants of the meeting highly appreciated the proposed amendments to the constitution, mentioning a necessity of making changes, which in their turn will lead to the further strengthening of the country. A notice on creation of the “Civil Society” initiative group was submitted to the Central Election Commitee for registration.

Earlier, the ruling New Azerbaijan (Yeni Azerbaijan party) also created a group to participate as a campaign group in the referendum. The participants decided to call the initiative group “New Azerbaijan”, taking into consideration the purpose of amendments. Members of the party said that the changes proposed to the constitution are aimed at strengthening the security system, development of the state apparatus system, liberalization of participation in the elections.

President Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree on holding a referendum on amendments to the country’s constitution on September 26, 2016. The Constitutional Court of Azerbaijan approved the draft amendments to the Constitution at its meeting on July 25. The Court concluded that the changes proposed by President Ilham Aliyev are in line with the requirements of the Constitution of Azerbaijan and may be put up for a nationwide vote. The results of the Referendum will be announced till October, 21

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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

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