Possible Electoral Frauds will be Ruled out by New Electoral Code: Sharmazanov

The publicized draft Electoral Code is merely the basis upon which the new code will be elaborated. Spokesperson for the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), Vice President of Republic of Armenia National Assembly Eduard Sharmazanov told about this after RPA Executive Board session. “The main discussions will be held at the National Assembly. Of course, there will be also hearings and all the interested parties will participate in the discussions. We must also be responsive towards the opinion of civil society and opposition representatives. It should not be claimed that the opinions of the opposition and the civil society have been refused&rd quo;,  Sharmazanov saying, referring to the allegations that the opinions of the opposition and the civil society have been ignored.

He stated that the main discussions on the draft Electoral Code will take place at the National Assembly. “You are well aware of cases when the Government submits a bill to the National Assembly which later underwent changes, considering the proposals of the opposition and the civil society. Naturally, there cannot be a draft that will include all the suggestions of everyone, but the authorities have political will to hear moderate proposals of both the opposition and the civil society”, National Assembly Vice President added.

Sharmazanov expressed conviction that an Electoral Code will be accepted which will be a better one, more democratic, practical and will rule out possible electoral frauds and double voting. “It will be an Electoral Code elaborated taking into account the remarks and proposals of our partners”, Sharmazanov said.

Referring to the suggestion of the opposition that it is necessary to publish the voting lists after elections, Sharmazanov mentioned that there is a decision taken by the Constitutional Court in that regard, which is binding for everyone. “This is not a political issue. There is a legal decision, and the decision of the Constitutional Court is binding for every citizen of Armenia. But we must do so that mechanism come into reality in the new code which will raise public trust towards electoral procedures”, Sharmazanov concluded.