On October 30, an operation was conducted by the State Security Service at the Balakan District Executive Authority. During the operations, the district's chief executive Islam Rzayev was detained.
Following this, the Main Anti-Corruption Department under the Prosecutor General conducted an operation at the Garadagh District Executive Authority. The deputies of the chief executive were detained.
The recent operations have brought discussions regarding Executive Authorities back to the agenda. Specifically, certain proposals regarding the abolition of Executive Authorities are being voiced.
This is primarily justified by the Executive Authorities no longer proving their worth, and the more efficient operation of the newly established institution of the President's special representation.
In a statement to Modern.az, member of the Regional Affairs Committee of the Milli Majlis Kamran Bayramov stated that Executive Authorities should undergo various reforms:
“I believe that local Executive Authorities, as institutions, should undergo reforms. However, I do not think that the issue of abolishing Executive Authorities will be relevant. Local Executive Authorities are bodies that implement executive functions in territorial units. Chief executives are appointed by the President and report to him. I agree that the institution of the President's Special Representation has fully proven its effectiveness. But let's not forget that in the territories covered by special representations, Executive Authorities also exist today; they have not been abolished. When we speak of reform, we can consider various models. For example, today there is a Special Representation of the President in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Alongside this, local Executive Authorities also operate there. This shows that both institutions can work together. If local Executive Authorities are abolished, where will our people in those territorial units apply, and who will work with the various institutions of the district? Let's consider that central government bodies have launched the regionalization process. Districts themselves have Executive Authorities that coordinate activities. Now, if Executive Authorities are abolished, who will coordinate this issue? It should be taken into account that the Special Representation will include not one, but several districts. There are certain gaps and inconsistencies here. I believe we should not talk about the abolition of local Executive Authorities. There is a need for reforms regarding the renewal of the activities of local Executive Authorities, a re-examination of their status, and their powers. For them to operate more efficiently, changes in legislation are, of course, necessary, and this is a requirement of the time.”
The deputy emphasized that if any fundamental change or reform occurs, amendments to the constitution may also be envisaged:
“Issues related to the organization of activities, status, and powers of local Executive Authorities are not among those discussed by the Milli Majlis. These fall exclusively within the powers of Mr. President. Even today, local Executive Authorities operate on the basis of the “Regulations on Local Executive Authorities” approved by a decree of Mr. President in 2012. If any changes occur, they can be regulated by a decree of Mr. President. Therefore, it is not possible for us to say anything in advance. If such a necessity arises, changes will, of course, be made in this manner. Let's also not forget that provisions regarding local Executive Authorities are included in our national Constitution. It is likely that if any fundamental change or reform occurs in this direction, amendments to the Constitution may also be envisaged.”
