Armenian parliament encounters unexpected legal casus

The vice speaker of Armenian parliament Edward Shamazanov earlier today held a consultation on the structure and activities of the NA Counting Commission.

The head of Heritage faction Ruben Hakobian told reporters following the consultation that the issue of the parliament’s counting commission was discussed as the four non-coalition factions and Orinats Yerkir (OEK) faction declined to participate in the counting commission’s work. “As a result, only representatives of the parliamentary majority – the ruling Republican Party of Armenia’s (HHK) faction have remained in the commission,” R. Hakobian said.

When asked if HHK alone may take part in the counting commission’s work, Ruben Hakobian replied that this situation is a legal casus: the work of the counting commission that regulates the secret ballot procedure, as well as today’s vote to elect the parliament speaker may be disrupted.

“Now the majority should discuss what decisions to take. Let’s hope the decision will be in line with the Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly,” Hakobian said.

In this connection Edward Sharmazanov told reporters that a number of discussions will take place. Asked whether the counting commission may function in case only HHK members are involved in it, Sharmazanov reiterated that everything will be done to avoid contradictions with the law and the Constitution.

“We will find a way out of this situation that will not contradict the law,” he said.