By voting at the referendum on amendments and additions to the Constitution, Azerbaijan keeps up with the times, writer, screenwriter, Honored Art Worker of Azerbaijan Natig Rasulzade said in an interview with Vestnik Kavkaza, commenting on the changes to the fundamental law of the republic, proposed at the nationwide referendum.
"Both our life and the world around us are changing, and we can't stay away from this, it is necessary to keep up with the times. This necessity dictates changes to 29 articles of the Azerbaijani Constitution, because the fundamental law can't stand aside if the times demand changes, which cannot be ignored. For example, the proposal to lower age qualification for candidates to deputies and president to 18 years: I think it will give confidence to our youth, which will feel its relevance even more. It is very important: Azerbaijan has many talented young people, and it is very encouraging that now people under twenty-five years can feel their importance in our society," he stressed.
He praised new formulations in the Constitution on protection and respect for human dignity, on the right for protection against arbitrariness. "It will limit the arbitrariness of the officials, which was repeatedly stated by our President Ilham Aliyev, who said that officials are servants of the people, they should serve the people, not vice versa," he expects.
In addition, the work of the authorities will be affected by the amendment on the right of President to dissolve the parliament. "It's time to update the composition of the parliament, get rid of certain members, giving it, as they say, a fresh breath. At the same time, it should be noted that there are very active members of the Milli Mejlis, who made a lot of good things for the republic with their constructive proposals," he added.
He also spoke about how the referendum was held. "By participating in the referendum, I watched since the morning how citizens of Azerbaijan actively participated in the voting, understanding the necessity of changes to the Constitution of the country. They fully support changes to the Constitution and believe that these changes are for the benefit of our country," he concluded.
