A political crisis has engulfed Kyrgyzstan, one of the poorest former Soviet republics in Central Asia, with public discontent growing over the slow pace of change since the "tulip revolution" in spring 2005 brought Bakiyev to power.
However, with the nation marking Constitution Day, the president warned against attempts to force reforms in the republic.
"At the time when the economy is insufficiently competitive and civil society is still developing, any rushed and unprepared radical constitutional reforms could cause social instability and lead to the destruction of democratic values," he said in a speech.
The opposition has led rallies in the last few weeks calling for urgent measures to combat crime and corruption, as well as immediate reform of the constitution, while 13 ministers tendered their resignations on Tuesday, only for the president and Prime Minister Felix Kulov to reject them.
Bakiyev said he was in favor of slower change to ensure stability.
"I am a convinced supporter of evolutionary development when rapid economic growth ensures depth and stability for the political system's democratization," he said.
The president said that the "tulip revolution" last year was caused by frequent amendments to the constitution and poor enactment of its provisions, coupled with the difficult economic situation.
Kyrgyzstan will hold a referendum on the form of government for the country with a choice of presidential, parliamentary or presidential-parliamentary rule.
"Authority means above all responsibility," Bakiyev said. "And I am taking the responsibility to say we can and must act reasonably and consistently."
