30 years of independence: expectations, achievements and losses

30 years have passed since the adoption of the Constitutional act on the restoration of the state independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan. How is this 30-year-old time conceived in our country from political, economic, social, legal and cultural points of view? What are society's expectations from independence, its achievements and losses?

When retracing the process of restoring independence, the first is the period prior to the restoration of independence; and the second is the period after the restoration of independence. Note of each period consists of several stages.

At the first stage of the initial period, the decisions of the CPSU Central Committee as adopted in 1985 on economic reforms gave impetus to the new political, economic, national and cultural processes in the Soviet Union.

This process of” perestroika" developed in Azerbaijan haphazardly since February 1988. The expulsion of our compatriots from Armenia, separatist activities in Karabakh, and the inability of the central and local authorities to make fair decisions drew public attention not to reforms but to security problems. It was tight political conditions that the idea of independence and freedom gained support in society.

As for the first stage, it can be noted that the idea of freedom and independence gained an open political content following the introduction of the idea of independence, holding of secret and open discussions over this idea, active participation of the people, as well as the creation of the People's Front of Azerbaijan on July 16, 1989. After the bloody events committed by the Soviet army in Baku on January 20, 1990, the idea of independence became irreversible.

At the second stage, there was the election of a group of bearers of this idea to the Parliament, the transition of the political struggle from the square to the Parliamentary rostrum and, finally, the declaration of independence. As a matter of fact, the process of restoring independence ended in May 1992 with the coming to power of the People's Front of Azerbaijan.

As is known, the history does not stand still, so this stage in the history of Azerbaijan gets its objective assessment. Following the collapse of the USSR on October 18, 1991, the restoration of the state independence of Azerbaijan was formalized. The first period was mostly completed successfully, although certain mistakes were made.

Expectations…

A fleet glance at the initial period after the independence makes it possible to note that there emerged very high expectations in society. After 70 years of the oppressive rule of the Soviet system, the society longed for a new free life. This was especially desirable for young people. The society hoped to get rid of its many problems for a short time. In fact, there were serious reasons for high expectations. The material and spiritual resources of the country made it possible to do this.

The citizens hoped and believed that due to our rich natural resources, we would achieve democratic governance. The society perceived the independence as a favorable opportunity for integration into the modern world. The citizens dreamed of living in security and prosperity, having a good education, and getting access to quality healthcare.

At the same time, they wanted to live in a pluralistic society where the rule of law is ensured, a democratic government is formed through free elections, a multiparty political system, free media and a safe country. They expected a fair distribution of the country's wealth among all, the absence of poor people, the complete elimination of illiteracy, the construction of a modern economic system that gives everyone the opportunity to earn according to his abilities.

Progress...

Following the independence, the biggest concern was to preserve the independence. Note that the independence gained in 1918 was lost due to the aggression of Soviet Russia in 1920. It is impossible to be reckless of the danger of facing such a fate in history. From this standpoint, the preservation of the independent state might be considered as the first success.

After Azerbaijan gained independence, there arose some fateful problems that hindered the development of the state and citizens. These included the occupation of Karabakh, socio-economic problems of the population, widespread disenfranchisement, corruption and bribery.

Another great achievement of the history of independence is the liberation of the occupied territories and the formation of a clear position that Armenians rtesiding in Karabakh will not be granted any legal status. Taking control over borders between Iran and Azerbaijan during a 30-year period, mainly with Armenia, is an utterly important result. The Karabakh problem proved to be not only the main obstacle to the democratic development of society but sometimes played the role of justification.

Losses...

Among the political values accepted by the modern world, democratic elections are most important. In societies with no democratic elections, the entire system of political, legal and social relations is violated. Rather dangerous tendencies are developing in society. The citizen loses his self-confidence; the state turns into a violent and crushing mechanism; the people are losing their function of a source of power.

In our country, all elections and referendums are rigged, and the electoral Will of the people is distorted.

Our biggest loss is the lack of democratic elections in Azerbaijan.

It has to be emphasized that freedom, equality, and security of a citizen are dependent upon ensuring their rights. Unfortunately, there is a very serious legal crisis in our country.

The principle of separation of powers has been violated. The Parliament and the judicial system have become dependent on the executive power. Sole power has been established in the country and the fundamental foundations of the state destroyed.

The corruption and bribery are practiced as one of the tools of the management system. Transparency, accountability, and the rule of law fail to be ensured in the country. The civil society has been purposefully weakened, independent media destroyed, and citizens' trust in the state undermined.

The problem of political prisoners persists in the country, the social problems of the population are not solved in principle, most of the intellectual youth leave the country. Material resources are not distributed fairly, human potential is not used effectively and access to high level education is limited.

Also, no transition to the market economy has been achieved over these years. All large and profitable companies are in a state monopoly. The absolute majority of state-owned companies operates at a loss and is an additional burden on the state budget. Economic freedoms are suppressed. The service and manufacturing sectors are in a tight monopoly. The social and moral-psychological state of the population is unsatisfactory.

And the last...

The resources of the independent Azerbaijani state are sufficient to solve the problems mentioned above. However, the time past was not used effectively, and numerous opportunities missed. Now there is an atmosphere of indefinite fear in the society. People believe that their financial security and daily care are above all public initiatives. They are not interested in solving their current problems together.

The new environment created by social media is even more complex. Everyone realizes the difficulty of mobilizing society, getting it engaged in the process of democratization in the country. Most people do not clearly imagine the possibility of joint self-organization to achieve a single goal. There is a sharp stratification and discrimination in the society, as well as apolitical sentiments.

In the future, the country is likely to face even more dangerous socio-political situation. It is necessary to get prepared for a wave of geopolitical changes and for processes to aggravate existing contradictions and hamper cooperation in the region. Radical economic and political reforms are to be carried out in the country immediately.

Nasimi Mammadli