Strategic Thought Center (STC) calls on to the consolidation and resisting a referendum on changes to the Constitution

A vital point is the consolidation of the democratic camp and the whole society to provide the peaceful and legitimate resistance to the referendum on changes to the Constitution of Azerbaijan. This conclusion  was made by the  Strategic Thought  Center (STC), after discussing the draft Referendum Act "On Amendments to the Constitution of Azerbaijan Republic",  submitted  by the Head of State to the Constitutional Court. The STC considers that the planned referendum will lead to greater authoritarianism, restrict the principle of separation of powers, human rights, political and economic freedoms, as well as destroy the formal republican values.

Along with the fact that the project is contrary to republican values, the constitutional foundations, international obligations, it is disadvantageous from the point of so-called legal procedure, and is  unacceptable.   The STC  notes that in its  appeal to the Constitutional Court regarding the referendum of July 21 Musavat party  wrote  that the Act on Referendum "On Amendments to the Constitution of Azerbaijan Republic" submitted by the president of the country, in fact, also offers additions.

The submitted amendments and changes are designed only for the ruling family’s interests, and are contrary to the  interests of the Azerbaijani people, including those represented in the government.

In this regard, taking into account the threats from the alleged constitutional changes to democratic development, and to prevent such threats, the STC considers urgent the consolidation of the democratic camp and the whole society to peacefully and legitimately resist  the referendum process.

On 18 July  the President of Azerbaijan signed a decree on the direction  the draft Referendum Act "On Amendments to the Constitution of Azerbaijan"  to the Constitutional Court of the Azerbaijan Republic for a conclusion.

In particular, it is proposed to introduce the post of first vice-president and vice-presidents, who are appointed and dismissed by the President, to increase the period of presidential powers from 5 to 7 years, to give the president the right to dissolve the parliament, to reduce the voting age to be elected president and deputy to the level of acquiring  civil rights by a person - 18 years, etc.

The Constitutional Court will consider the appeal of the President on July 25th.  According to Safa Mirzayev, the Head of Parliament Administration, the  major aim of changes is to protect human dignity. The STC is  headed by  Isa Gambar, the former head of the opposition party "Musavat."  -0—