Azerbaijan celebrates Constitution Day

On November 12, 1995, the current Constitution of Azerbaijan, the fundamental law of an independent sovereign state, was adopted through a popular referendum.

This Constitution was the first after the restoration of independence of the Azerbaijani state.

The first Constitution of Azerbaijan was adopted on May 19, 1921, at the First All-Azerbaijan Congress of Soviets.

The first edition of the Constitution of the Azerbaijan SSR, adapted to the Constitution of the USSR of 1921, was adopted on March 14, 1925, at the IV All-Azerbaijan Congress of Soviets. The last Constitution of the Azerbaijan SSR, adopted on April 21, 1978, although it was adapted to the Constitution of the USSR, however, had certain specifics.

After Azerbaijan regained its independence, serious work began on a new draft Constitution. In 1994, under the chairmanship of national leader Heydar Aliyev, the Constitutional Commission began its activities, in 1995 the project was submitted for public discussion and on November 12, 1995, the first Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan was adopted by popular vote.

The new Constitution of Azerbaijan consists of 5 sections, 12 chapters and 158 articles.

The Constitution of 1995 laid the foundations of the state system of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The first additions and changes to the Constitution were made on August 24, 2002. Additions and changes were also made to the basic law of the country after the referendums on March 18, 2009 and September 26, 2016.

On February 6, 1996, by order of President Heydar Aliyev, November 12 was declared Constitution Day.