Strengthen dictatorship with Constitution: example of 5 countries
While Europe and other countries of civilized world strengthen democracy, passing the route of development, the fully opposite processes are underway in Asian countries. If the situation is hopeless in Central Asia and Middle East regions, as there dictatorship is as strong as a nut, the immediate neighbors of European civilization is also taking that gray way. In all the cases changing the existing Constitution serves the strengthening of powers of dictators. Those times, when a dictator was appointed a termless king, remained in the past. Now dictatorship has some wrapping in order to maintain legitimate veil. Any dictator, irrespective of his resources, will not let himself evidently rule on blood, neglecting fragile feelings of superpowers. Sooner or later the civilized world gives its assessment to the country, which makes its own people slaves. North Korea is an exception… Let’s start from East. KYRGYZSTAN: At the end of last year about 80 percent of Kyrgyzstan residents said ‘yes’ to the new Constitution defended by Almazbek Atambayev. Through referendum Atambayev gave new shades to his authority. According to new Constitution, some powers of the President were passed to the parliament, but final result remained the same. In the parliament with new functions, the President has a decisive voice in the face of Kyrgyzstan’s Social-Democratic Party, which is head by Atambayev himself. Azerbaijan: Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, also changed the Constitution and strengthened the autocracy. In 2016 the powers of the President were enlarged in that country. After accepting the new Constitution, Ilham Aliyev had a right to appoint Vice Presidents, one of whom, as it has recently turned out, is his wife- Mehriban Aliyeva. In fact, the government of Azerbaijan is occupied by the Aliyevs. As it was typical of middle age kings, the Aliyevs have become owners of endless property. Petrodollars are flowing not into the state treasury, but are enriching several families. And the media outlets covering all these are being closed down, not leaving any chances to end the dictatorship. Still in 2009 with the changed Constitution, Aliyev confirmed his right to be in power for a life term. President in that country can be elected more than twice. Becoming President of Azerbaijan in 2003, he repeated the same in 2008 and 2013. Dictator Ilham Aliyev will not think about losing his seat until 2020; according to the Constitution adopted in 2009, President is elected for 7 years’ term, like in Russia. Russia: There is a deep dictatorship also in Russia; young Russians know only one name of President- Vladimir Putin. He was the actual President of the country, when Dmitry Medvedev assumed presidential powers. Armenia: One more post soviet country, Armenia, also followed its neighbors. In 2008 one dictator was replaced by another. Unlike Robert Kocharyan, who eliminated his opponents also physically, Sargsyan adopted mild methods. It’s true, he didn’t come to power easily. The blood of March 1, 2008 victims is still fresh in his and his predecessor’s hands. Being in power for 10 years, Serzh Sargsyan hasn’t realized any of his promises- Armenia-Iran railway, new nuclear power plant, Armenia with no migration etc. Failing Armenia’s hopes for development, Sargsyan could foresee the defeat, which he would have in 2017. That’s why he changed the Constitution, giving large powers to the parliament, and in fact eliminating the most important part of President’s rights. In 2013 presidential elections showed that he losses in the struggle of individuals, but the positions are incomparably strong in the party struggle. Over the time, Sargsyan simply destroyed once his powerful opponents- Armenian National Congress (HAK), Heritage… In April 2 no opposition power entered the parliament. Irrespective of his position in the political field after 2018, it is a fact that dictatorship in Armenia has been prolonged for 5 more years. Turkey: Turkey is also not legging behind of its neighbors. Though the western part of that country is geographically a part of Europe, the country is developing according to Asian traditions. Today new draft Constitution has been put to vote in Turkey. Opposition media outlets are not free to cover the process. The right to publish the preliminary results of the referendum is given only to one state Anadolu agency. There is authoritarianism even in the media sphere. The preliminary results show that Erdogan will achieve success in the process of enlarging the scope of his powers. Turkey is passing from parliamentary form of government to presidential. Recep Tayipp Erdogan is getting a right to appoint a Vice President, ministers, judges etc. In case of adoption of Constitutional changes, the elections of a president and lawmakers will be held in November, 2019. In all the abovementioned states there are no or almost no democratic institutions, the opposition is practically eliminated, and the people yielded their rights to form the government to the rich. The way, it was centuries ago.
