Azerbaijan adopted its current constitution by referendum on November 12, 1995. This is the country’s supreme legal document, which stipulates that power resides in three branches: legislative, executive and judicial.

The president, head of the executive branch, who can be elected for no more than two consecutive five-year terms, leads the country. The government (cabinet of ministers) is subordinate to the president, who appoints the prime minister and cabinet subject the approval of the legislature. The cabinet of ministers oversees the implementation of the state budget, financial, credit and monetary policy, as well as state social programs. If the president retires or dies before the end of his term, new presidential elections are held within three months. During this period the prime minister takes over presidential responsibilities. If he is incapable of doing so the chairman of the parliament shall fill the position.

The highest legislative body is the single chamber 125-member Milli Majlis (National Assembly), which is elected for a five year term on the majority principle. The parliament is composed of full-time lawmakers, with an exception of 15% of the deputies (18 members) who may occupy posts in government agencies while holding legislative office. The parliament holds two regular sessions in spring and fall. The chairman at the president’s request can call a special session. The parliament’s responsibilities include determining legislation on human and civil rights, elections, the court system, civil law, inheritance, rights of ownership, state, private and municipal property, financial activity, taxes and payments, labor relations, social security, ratification and rejection of international treaties, communication and transport, customs, banking, accounting and insurance. The president may not dissolve the Milli Majlis, but he is able to veto its decisions. Parliamentarians serve terms of five years.

Azerbaijan has a complex three level judiciary system, which includes courts of general jurisdictions, economic courts, military courts and court for heavy crimes. Any decision taken by the court of first instance can be appealed to the Appellate court. The complaint from the decision of the Appellate court can be field with the Supreme Court which is the highest judicial power in the country. The judges to the court were nominated by the President from the candidates who successfully passed two-tier professional examination. Commercial disputes are adjudicated by the Economic court that consists of general economic courts and economic courts for disputes arising out of international contracts. The devoted panel on economic disputes exists in the Supreme Court of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan also has the Constitutional Court that is empowered to role on the constitutionally of the laws, settlements of disputes among the branches of power, banning of political parties and organizations.

There are some 42 registered political parties in the country. The largest is the New Azerbaijan Party (YAP), which is the governing party of the country. The YAP has also a majority in the parliament. Since the late 1980s, a dynamic press and active independent organizations have emerged in Azerbaijan. In terms of civic activity, there are currently about 1,400 registered public organizations engaged in human rights, ethnic minority rights, women’s and children’s issues.