Azerbaijan plans to reduce the powers of the authorities of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, an exclave of Azerbaijan.

“Creation of the Vice President’s institution in Azerbaijan attracts a special attention,” Azerbaijani Milli Məclis (National Assembly) member Fazail Aghamali, who is a well-informed representative of the ruling elite, told Yeni Müsavat newspaper of the country. “The introduction of this institution improves and simplifies Azerbaijan’s system of governance.

“According to the Constitution, both the Milli Məclis and the Supreme Council of Nakhchivan are considered the second branch of power [in Azerbaijan], and they are not directly subject to the President. To eliminate this problem, the leader of Nakhchivan should become the Vice President of Azerbaijan.”

The referendum on constitutional reform in Azerbaijan is slated for September 26.