Survey: 87 percent consider amendments to Azerbaijani Constitution necessary
By Rashid Shirinov
With a purpose to assess the situation in Azerbaijan, French Research Institute Opinion Way conducted a survey among the Azerbaijani population prior to the Referendum in the country.
The survey covered the whole territory of Azerbaijan and included personal interviews with 1,200 respondents selected by a quota sampling method.
The questionnaire contained 12 questions grouped in three blocks. The purpose of the questions was to explore the opinion of respondents on socio-demographic indicators, the country's political and economic situation and people’s attitude to issues to be reviewed at the upcoming Referendum.
Thus, 82 percent of the interviewed said they are satisfied with the political system in Azerbaijan. 93 percent believe that work currently implemented in Azerbaijan is carried out in the right direction.
As much as 96 percent of the surveyed said that Ilham Aliyev successfully fulfills his responsibilities as the President.
Among those who believe that there are some problems in the country, 77 percent pointed out the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as the most crucial issue, and 41 percent noted the difficulties associated with the economic situation.
Eighty-one percent of respondents said they will take part in the referendum of September 26, while five percent have not yet decided whether they will participate in the voting process or not.
Some 87 percent of interviewed noted the general need for the additions and changes proposed to the Constitution; and 88 percent think those amendments will positively influence the development of the respective areas.
September 26, 2016, was set as the date for the referendum on proposed changes to the constitution of Azerbaijan and it was announced as a non-working day across the country.
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 the extension of the presidential term from five to seven years, the establishment of the first vice-president and vice-president positions in the country as well as the cancel of minimum age limit for presidential candidates, and dissolution of parliament by the president.
The League of Protection of Labor rights, Center for Aid and independent advice "For Civil Society" and, Independent Research Center ELS passed registration to conduct Exit Poll.
Final results of the Referendum will be announced until October 21.
The last time changes to the Constitution were made seven years ago, following Constitutional referendum held in 2009.
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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov
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