MP: Changes to Constitution to contribute to relations between citizens and state
By Gunay Hasanova
The amendments to be made to the Constitution of Azerbaijan will lead to an improvement in the social well-being of the population and more harmonious development of relations between the state and citizens in the future, said MP Musa Guliyev on October 4.
The MP stressed that the referendum means the beginning of a very important stage in the socio-economic life and system of statehood in Azerbaijan.
"Undoubtedly, it will start to strengthen management of the state system. The creation of Vice-Presidency institute will extend the possibilities of control over the implementation of signed decrees and orders by the Head of state and participation in this work. One of the most important amendments to be made to the Constitution is related to unused lands. It is a social responsibility for the use of thousands of hectares of land acquired by various officials”, said Guliyev.
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.
The proposed 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 cancellation of minimum age limit for presidential candidates, dissolution of parliament by the president.
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
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