Final Version of Draft Electoral Code to be Formed after Active Political Debates

The Government of Armenia confirmed the new draft electoral code and will submit it to the National Assembly. Minister-Chief of Government Staff David Harutyunyan, presenting the draft, mentioned that the final version of the draft will be formed after active political debates. The deadline is June 1. In his words, the main discussions must be in political arena that is why the overwhelming part of the discussions will be held at the National Assembly. “With the confirmation of the draft we herald the start of the stage of public debates. Two key innovations are included in the draft. It is offered to hold ind irect municipal elections in Gyumri and Vanadzor, like in Yerevan. This is the first step and I think this list will expand in the future”, David Harutyunyan said.

The next innovation included in the draft is that the National Assembly must be formed through proportional elections. Majoritarian voting system is excluded. At the same time the Minister-Chief of Government Staff said that major changes have been made in the code regarding the election of the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) staff. According to that, the CEC must be elected by the parliament for which 60% of votes is required.

“Remarks and suggestions of the OSCE / ODIHR made after the two previous elections are included in the draft”, David Harutyunyan said.

In his words the law also defines the system of firm parliamentary majority, which is 54% of the MPs.

He also mentioned that long-term goals are the basis of this code, as this electoral system gives an opportunity to form strong party representations in the regions.

At the same time, the draft code mentions that the minimum number of MPs must be 101. The initial distribution of the National Assembly mandates will take place based on the number 101.