From the regime of personal power to a parliamentary republic - “Platform III Republic”

Baku/18.12.23/Turan: The “Platform III Republic” was created with the aim of transition in Azerbaijan from a regime of personal power to genuine republicanism, the members of the working staff of the “Platform III Republic” announced at today’s press conference. Azerbaijan's full restoration of its territorial integrity makes it possible to move on to the “Post-Karabakh agenda” - the construction of a democratic rule of law based on the principles of a parliamentary republic.

This was the state structure of the Azerbaijani People's Republic, founded in 1918 and captured by Bolshevik Russia in 1920. In 1991, Azerbaijan regained its independence in the form of a republic. However, after 1993, Republican values gradually began to be squeezed out. This was reflected in the 1995 Constitution. During the three subsequent constitutional referendums, the republican essence of the state began to fade even more. During the last referendum in 2016, the Constitution was amended, which established a regime of personal power, stated  the speaker of the “Platform III Republic” Akif Gurbanov.

The initiators of the “Platform III Republic” aim to create a parliamentary republic based on three basic principles: the formation of a central government based on free and fair elections; ensuring the balance of the three branches of government; ensuring a balance between central and regional authorities.

In particular, it is proposed to reorganize local government: the abolition of local representatives of the central executive authority. Instead, transfer power to municipalities - in villages, towns, cities. In addition, it is planned to divide the country into 18 regions. Representative bodies will be formed in these regions and large cities, as well as mayors will be directly elected.

The powers of the regional authorities will be clearly defined and will not conflict with the principles of a unitary state.  “We believe that respect for the dignity of the individual should be a priority in the state and this should in no way be sacrificed to the 'state interests,'“ Gurbanov continued.

The founders of the “Platform III Republic” reject theocracy, aggressive nationalism, radical statism, and discrimination in all its manifestations. In order to establish this model of government and the principles of the republic, it is proposed to adopt a new Constitution of Azerbaijan.

“Platform III Republic” has also developed a number of policy documents. The initiators see the key to national security in the democratization of the state. They advocate the creation of a “Single Caucasian Union” with the participation of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia, which will become possible after peace is achieved between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

“We oppose Azerbaijan's participation in authoritarian regional coalitions. Azerbaijan's integration should be Euro-Atlantic. Azerbaijan should withdraw from the CIS, and the alliance with Turkey should be strengthened,” Gurbanov continued. According to him, Azerbaijan should strive for membership in the EU and NATO. Referring to the defense strategy, he noted that it is necessary to switch completely to a professional army.

The Platform proposes reforming the judiciary and removing it from subordination to the executive branch. The judiciary should be self-governing. To ensure the impartiality of the courts, it is proposed to introduce a jury trial in criminal cases.

“Platform III Republic” also calls for a transition to European standards of anti-discrimination measures: to adopt a law on conflicts of interest, create equal opportunities for citizens, and introduce declarations of income and property not only of officials, but also of their loved ones.

It is proposed to switch to a free economy model and abandon state capitalism. In the upcoming early presidential elections, the Platform will not participate as a political force with its candidate. When asked about the methods of achieving their goals, the founders of the Platform noted that their activities will be based on the principles of civic participation.

In the near future, the Platform will submit specific proposals for the near, medium and long-term prospects. The main motto of the Platform is “We obey not one person, but the law.” A group of socio-political activists announced the creation of the Platform on December 7.  The purpose of the structure is to establish a genuine republican system in Azerbaijan.

The working staff of the Platform included political and public activists: Akif Gurbanov, Araz Aliyev, Elman Fattah, Rovshan Aghayev, Ruslan Izzetli, Samad Rahimli, and Yadigyar Sadigly. Akif Gurbanov was elected the head of the working staff for a year.--06C-