20 December 2008, 19:21
Azerbaijani opposition against changes in Constitution
The changes in the Constitution suggested by the party in power, assuming cancellation of the restriction to elect one and the same person President of Azerbaijan for more than two terms in a row are violations of one of fundamental principles of democracy - need of power turnover. This was the main idea expressed at the roundtable held on December 19 at the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety of Azerbaijan.
Sardar Dzhalaloglu, leader of the Democratic Party of Azerbaijan, has named the initiative of the party in power "Eni Azerbaijan" "to be a start of Azerbaijan's imitation of Central-Asian regimes, where the presidential power is in fact lifelong."
Ali Kerimli, leader of the Party of Popular Front of Azerbaijan, has expressed his opinion that Azerbaijani authorities "take many lessons" from the ruling elite of Russia.
Ali Aliev, leader of the Party of Citizens and Development, has noted that the offered amendments to the Constitution are directed towards legalizing "de facto existing dynastic regime in Azerbaijan."
Isa Gambar, leader of the "Musavat", has also noted that the situation in the country can change under the influence of the economic crisis. In his opinion, the events can progress in the direction favourable for the country's democratic forces; and they will manage not only to defend the current Constitution, but also "get much more."
Finally, it was decided to launch an active campaign against the amendments to the Constitution, including public debates with participation of different layers of the society, singing-in and undertaking judicial-legal procedures. It was also offered to hold mass protest actions.
Author: Faik Medzhid, CK correspondent
