Adopted 30 years ago, on November 12, 1995, the Constitution of Independent Azerbaijan is based on universal values and progressive national traditions, while also reflecting today's realities and the development prospects of the state and society.
Although the “Constitutional Act on the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan,” adopted on October 18, 1991, envisioned the preparation of a new Constitution, the incompetent activity of the government between 1991 and 1993 prevented this. During that period, the situation had deteriorated to such an extent that not only was the constitution forgotten, but even the safety of citizens was not ensured. The country was on the brink of civil war. Thus, it was impossible to guarantee people's right to life.
Only in 1993, thanks to the great salvation mission of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, who returned to power at the demand of the people, was Azerbaijan saved from the threat of being erased from the world map. Socio-political stability was ensured in the country, and a reliable foundation for modern state-building was laid.
Great Leader Heydar Aliyev said about the Constitution that “we must adopt a Constitution that will be the Fundamental Law, a historical document, ensuring the long-term stable existence of the independent Republic of Azerbaijan based on democratic principles.”
Thus, the Constitution adopted by referendum in 1995 established the transition to a modern, democratic, secular, and legal state-building stage for the development of the Azerbaijani people. As Mr. President also stated, the author of this historical document was the National Leader of our people, Heydar Aliyev.
As is known, the last Constitution of the Azerbaijan SSR was adopted on April 21, 1978. After the new Constitution of the USSR was adopted in 1977, a new draft Constitution for the Azerbaijan SSR was prepared. On April 2, 1978, at the suggestion of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, who delivered a report on this draft in the Supreme Soviet of the Azerbaijan SSR, Article 73 reflected that “the state language of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic is the Azerbaijani language.” After Azerbaijan gained independence, it was necessary to prepare a new Constitution.
In the referendum held on November 12, 1995, 86 percent of voters participated, and 91.9 percent of them voted in favor of adopting the Constitution.
The Constitution of the independent Republic of Azerbaijan created a legal basis for the process of democratic, legal, and secular state-building in our country, gave a strong impetus to its development, and defined the main principles of the separation of powers.
Azerbaijan has achieved development based on the requirements of the Constitution and its sovereign rights. 48 articles of the fundamental law are directly dedicated to human rights and their guarantees. Our Fundamental Law broadly enshrines the rights and freedoms of all citizens living in Azerbaijan, regardless of their language, religion, race, or ethnic origin. As a result of the 44-day Patriotic War, as well as the anti-terrorist operation carried out in September 2023, the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country were fully restored.
On the 5th anniversary of the Great Victory and the 30th anniversary of the Constitution, 2025 has been declared the “Year of Constitution and Sovereignty.” Every Azerbaijani experiences the joy of our Constitution's legal force being established in all territories where the occupation has been eliminated.
Member of Parliament
Konul Nurullayeva