Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

November 12 will be the next anniversary of the Constitution Day in Azerbaijan – a significant event in the history of the country and nation.

Azerbaijan, for the first time, adopted the basic law of an independent sovereign state by referendum in 1995.

The Constitution of modern Azerbaijan, adopted 20 years ago, laid the legal foundations of the transition to the democratic republic.

There appeared a necessity to develop a new constitution after Azerbaijan gained independence in 1991.

Azerbaijanis announced their intention to defend the country, to guarantee the democratic system, to achieve the establishment of civil society and to live in friendship, peace and security with other nations.

The adoption of the Constitution has become one of the most significant milestones in the history of each state. This important document laid the beginning of a new page in Azerbaijan’s history.

On this day, every Azerbaijani citizen feels his or her involvement in the formation of a free, democratic society aimed at providing a bright future to subsequent generations.

The adoption of the Constitution was not only a legal recognition of the new social system, but also an indication that the development of the country had entered a new stage.

The basic law proclaimed Azerbaijan a democratic, legal, secular and unitary republic, as well as secured its citizens rights and freedoms as the highest goal of the state.

The document is comprised of 5 sections, 12 chapters and 158 articles.

Amendments and additions to the Constitution were first made via referendum of August 24, 2002 and most recently March 18, 2009.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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