ICC NOTE: The Venice Commission has agreed to present an opinion on Azerbaijan’s latest push for new amendments to be included in their Constitution. This is an important step as the amendments in question would provide sweeping new powers and privileges to the presidential office as well as open routes to possible religious persecution. The President has proposed amendments to extend presidential terms from five years to seven, lower the required age for office providing an opening for his son to hold office, giving the office power to dissolve parliament at any time, as well as further involvement in property rights. The move is one that is being seen throughout Central Asia as other national leaders are solidifying lifetime power within their respective nations. Increasing influence within the property rights could enable the government to further restrict the issuance of permits and other important documents for church planting. 

9/15/2016 Azerbaijan (Contact AZ)– Council of Europe Venice Commission on September 26, a week before the referendum, will present a draft opinion on amendments to the Constitution.

“The text of the opinion will be discussed and approved in the plenary session of 14-15 October,” the Venice Commission told RIA Novosti.

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