From authoritarianism to democracy in three stages

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2022 February 19 (Saturday) 23:12:00

From authoritarianism to democracy in three stages /UPDATED/

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2022 February 17 (Thursday) 22:25:30

From authoritarianism to democracy in three stages

From authoritarianism to democracy in three stages

Azerbaijan has come a long way from the Soviet past, when it was little known outside the USSR, to a country that occupies a prominent place in regional politics, and even in Europe, where Azerbaijan has so far been assigned the role of an ally in energy security.

Azerbaijan is a country of contrasts. On the one hand, a regime that is resistant to external and internal challenges, trying to modernize and keep up with the times, and, on the other hand, a country that is listed in the ranks of states with high rates of social stratification, weak protection of private property, high levels of corruption and monopoly in the economy, production, trade, service sector, etc. A country that occupies a leading position in the world rankings for the violation of human rights and freedoms, in which there is no independent judiciary.

At the head of the state is the Aliyev family, which actually rules and governs the country since 1993, when Heydar Aliyev returned to power after an 11-years break. Estimates of the family's rule are contradictory. It took place during the period of post-Soviet transformation, the formation of a new political system and socio-political relations, the redistribution of property, in the conditions of a clan and regional struggle for power, external destructive influences that determined the nature of political culture, citizenship, national identity.

At the same time, one cannot fail to note the significant role of President Aliyev in establishing and maintaining the internal and external stability of the state, in restoring the territorial integrity of the country, the absence of which over the past 30 years has been the main detonator of many tragedies, losses and backward processes in various areas of the country's life.

The expectations of political, public and economic circles that after the 44-day war the situation in the country would change in the direction of solidarity between the authorities and society did not come true. The authorities still govern the country through strict control over all areas, while, however, consistently changing the staff, introducing young officials devoted to the family into management.

This policy is based on the creation of a team of the future, which, once formed, will have to become the engine of change. But not everything is as it may seem. Society is faced with inept management, which makes itself felt in a variety of areas: forced price increases, tariffs, lack of state funds for social needs, attempts to limit freedom of speech. And this is happening in conditions when young officials have taken key positions in problem areas. The facts of abuses and dismissals of a number of young appointees have already been noted. The hope that they will become the locomotives of progress is fading day by day, and this calls for concern in expert circles. Separate attempts are being made to draw the president's attention to the growing problems.

Even before the 44-day war, which significantly reduced the growing dissatisfaction of society with the solutions to socio-economic and socio-political problems, I often thought about the proposal to apply the model of accelerated transition to a new political system in Azerbaijan, which during the transition period would ensure the harmony of interests of the elite, society and states with the ultimate goal of creating a just, socially responsible state that recognizes the equality of all before the law.

Azerbaijan, in my opinion, needs urgent decisions to reformat the political and economic system in order to accelerate the disclosure of the creative potential of the entire society, end poverty, violations of human rights and freedoms, achieve national consensus and take its rightful place among countries with a high level of well-being population.

The transition period from authoritarian to democratic rule, regardless of the form of government, may take 15 years. This period is chosen based on the intervals between parliamentary elections, as well as five-year action plans.

One of two forms of government can be involved - monarchical and presidential-parliamentary.

Monarchy

The monarchical form of government provides for the empowerment of the current head of state with royal powers and attributes and provides for the transition from absolute to constitutional monarchy.

Stage 1. An absolute monarchy is a monarchy that presupposes the unlimited power of the monarch by anyone and nothing. Under an absolute monarchy, all authorities are completely subordinate to the monarch, and the will of the people can be officially expressed, for example, through an advisory body. (Wikipedia)

Stage 2. A dualistic monarchy (lat. Dualis - dual) is a type of constitutional monarchy in which the power of the monarch is limited by the constitution and parliament in the legislative field, but within the framework set by them, the ruler has the freedom to make decisions (currently Morocco, Jordan). The monarch has the right to appoint a government. (Wikipedia)

Stage 3. A parliamentary monarchy is a type of constitutional monarchy in which the monarch does not have real power and performs representative functions. Under a parliamentary monarchy, the government is responsible to the parliament, which has more power than other organs of the state (although this may vary in different countries) (example of power is Great Britain, Japan). (Wikipedia)

In all three types of monarchy, power is inherited or when the monarch appoints his successor.

Presidential-parliamentary

Stage 1. Presidential dualistic republic. The significant role of the president in the system of state bodies, the combination in his hands of the powers of the head of state and head of government. Strong executive power is concentrated in the hands of the president, while legislative power is in the hands of parliament.

Stage 2. Presidential-parliamentary republic. The president appoints power ministers and the head of the foreign affairs agency. Oversees foreign policy and security. The government is elected by the Parliament, whose deputies are elected by the proportional electoral system. The government is accountable to Parliament.

Stage 3. Parliamentary-presidential republic. The functions of the President are representative. Parliament forms the government, which shapes and implements domestic and foreign policy. The President plays the role of an arbitrator and, in the event of an internal political crisis that the parliamentary forces are unable to resolve within the time frame established by law, has the right to call the next early parliamentary elections.

In all three phases, the incumbent President retains his office or may be replaced by the Vice President until the end of the 15-year transition period. After the end of this period, general or parliamentary presidential elections are held.

At each stage of the transition period, regardless of one of the two forms of government, reforms and related procedures must be carried out and implemented.

Stage 1.

- an expert council is being created under the president, which includes well-known experts in the field of economics, law, security, reforms, which develops operational decisions to improve the situation in various areas, and also prepares a plan for strategic reforms with the participation of the government. Monitors the implementation of council decisions approved by the president.

- an amnesty of capital is announced,

- general amnesty, with the exception of those who have committed really proven crimes.

Stage 2.

- continues to work the expert council accountable to the president, free parliamentary elections are held, the parliament is formed by the government,

- measures are being taken to expand the participation of civil society in the life of the country,

- given complete freedom of speech,

- large-scale reforms developed by the expert council are being carried out.

Stage 3.

The government of the country passes to the parliament, elected freely by the will of the people. The President performs representative functions as a symbol of the state.

And what do you think?   

Action Plan for the Transition from Authoritarianism to Democracy