The process of democratization in Azerbaijan and efforts towards political reforms date back to the period of perestroika in former USSR. However, these processes remained incomplete because of certain causes.

The global practice shows the democratization processes do not end completely, as it is quite complicated process. Occurrence of conflicts as a result of encountering interests of different social groups – stereotypes, ancient traditions and similar things create difficulties. In this respect, even if these processes started in former USSR they could not go on till the end. It is first of all related to the contradiction between the principles of totalitarian regime and democratic norms.

Opportunities for democratization in post-communist countries, including Azerbaijan emerged only after independence was gained and the people managed to openly declare their will to transform to democratization. And it was reflected also in the documents adopted. Both the Act of Independence adopted in 1991 and the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan adopted in 1995 confirmed the legal and political fundamentals of democracy.

The Constitution is of democratic character, which is affirmed by provisions granting the right of sovereignty to the nation, envisaging the division of the power into 3 branches, civil rights to equality, property, voting, association, education and etc., freedoms of speech, conscience, assembly, information access and so on.

The process of democratization in Azerbaijan differs from the West with several features:

1) In Azerbaijan this process is accompanied by the application of the democratic values in society through laws and reforms, while in the Western countries it goes from the bottom to the top;

2) In majority of the Western states application of democratic values was a long-term process, but in Azerbaijan this process is designed for short term using international experience, help of international organizations.

The socioeconomic policy underway in the country today provides broad opportunities to the development of democracy and characterizes the learning of the new values by members of society.

Laman Khalilova,
"Azerbaijan Realities".