This page collects materials on Constitution Day, marked in Azerbaijan every year on November 12: news, statements by the head of state and official bodies, historical background, and commentary from lawyers and experts. The tag is for journalists, lawyers, students and anyone interested in the history of the country's Basic Law. New materials appear as they are published.
What is Constitution Day
On November 12, 1995, the first Constitution of independent Azerbaijan was adopted by a nationwide referendum. The Basic Law came into force on November 27 of the same year. Every year, November 12 is marked as Constitution Day. Despite its holiday status, it remains a working day. The tag covers the history of the holiday, ceremonies and official congratulations.
Historical background
The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic existed from 1918 to 1920, or 23 months, and did not manage to adopt a fundamental law. The 1995 Constitution was the first in independent Azerbaijan and the fourth in the country's history. The Constitutional Commission, chaired by Heydar Aliyev, was set up in May 1995, and the draft was put to public discussion in October. On the day of the referendum, parliamentary elections were also held on a multiparty basis for the first time.
Structure of the Basic Law
The Constitution was adopted with 5 sections, 12 chapters and 158 articles. Amendments and additions have been made in the years since. The tag publishes explainers on the structure of the Basic Law, its key provisions and citizens' constitutional rights.
Constitutional Court
The adoption of the Constitution opened the way to creating a body of constitutional justice. The Constitutional Court was established on July 14, 1998. The court's decisions, current cases and legal commentary make up a separate strand of the tag.
Celebrations and statements
On the eve of Constitution Day and on the day itself, the tag publishes addresses by the head of state and statements by the National Assembly (Milli Majlis), the Constitutional Court, the Ministry of Justice and other bodies. Academic conferences, open lessons and student events are also held. We keep official positions separate from commentary.
What the tag includes
Why follow this tag
The tag lets you find everything about Constitution Day in one place, from historical background to official statements. The page is updated with every new publication. Subscribe so you don't miss anything important.
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