Heydar Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, has called for a referendum on constitutional changes. Opponents condemn the proposal, stating that these changes will only increase Heydar Aliyev's power. According to the proposed changes, a simple majority of one half plus one will be sufficient for presidential elections instead of the two-thirds majority currently required. In another change, the Prime Minister will be elevated in status and will become the second highest official in the government, replacing the Speaker of the Parliament. Currently, parliamentary representatives are elected through a combination of constituency votes and party quotas, but under the proposed changes, each representative will be elected solely by constituency votes. The last parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan two years ago faced severe criticism from international observers due to widespread fraud. Opponents were only able to secure a few seats in parliament thanks to the mixed electoral system of constituency and party representation.
President of Azerbaijan Calls for Constitutional Change
Heydar Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, is proposing constitutional changes that critics argue will consolidate his power. The changes include lowering the majority needed for presidential elections and altering the structure of government positions. This is significant as it follows a history of electoral fraud and opposition struggles in Azerbaijan.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
President Heydar Aliyev has proposed constitutional changes that would lower the majority needed for presidential elections and elevate the Prime Minister's status. Critics argue these changes will further consolidate Aliyev's power.
- The proposed changes would allow a simple majority for presidential elections instead of a two-thirds majority.
- The Prime Minister would become the second highest official, replacing the Speaker of the Parliament.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Azerbaijan has faced criticism for its electoral processes and governance, with a history of opposition suppression and allegations of fraud in elections.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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