President Aliyev denies his office extension

Aliyev has refused the proposal by most MPs on extension of his presidency term from 5 to 7 years by amending the relevant articles of the Constitution.

He unveiled his stance when attending the World Economic Forum in the US.

He disapproved the initiative, stating that all must respect the supreme law of the country, the Constitution, which reads that the president is elected for a period of 5 years.

His decision came as a suprise to opposition, which lashed out at the proposal.

The proposal was made on the first day of the parliament’s spring session by MP Eldar Ibrahimov, a member of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party.

Most of the CIS countries have extended the terms of their presidents, he said. "There is no use holding elections. Instead, a referendum for the extension should be held", he indicated.

Step back

Speaker of the Milli Majlis Murtuz Alasgarov told a parliamentary meeting Tuesday that the parliament wouldn't consider the extension of the President's term in office.

In a telephone conversation with the Azeri speaker, President Aliyev thanked the MPs for the initiative, saying "there is no need amending the Constitution", M.Alasgarov said.

Opposition

Key opposition parties spoke out against the initiative, which envisioned changes to the Constitution.

In a joint statement, the leaders of political parties said that “the regime has made this proposal, as it realizes the lack of means to falsify the upcoming elections”.