Amended Electoral Code to allow representation of 4 forces in parliament

The chief goal of the amendments in the Electoral code is to strengthen the democratic institutions in Armenia, acting Justice Minister Artak Zeynalyan stated today at the session of NA’s State-Legal and Human Affairs Standing Committee, while presenting the bill on amendments in the Electoral code.

The amendments offer to have 4 parties represented in the parliament instead of former 3 parties or blocs. According to it, the fourth force may appear in the parliament if it passes 2% threshold. Zeinalyan said it was the proposal of Tsarukyan faction which was accepted by the government.

Asked whether the elections will not take place in case four forces are not participating in them, Zeynalyan said the Electoral Code is not giving concrete solution to the issue but there is another solution – another registration of parties and blocs is being announced. “Now we may discuss and give solution to what happens if three parties or blocs are being registered,” Zeynalyan said.

As to parliamentary majority, Zeynalyan said the parliament will have stable parliamentary majority. “There should be stable parliamentary majority in the parliament and the political minority will not be less than 1/3. It has remained unchanged,” Zeynalyan said.

With new amendments it is offered to raise the quota of women’s representation making it 30% instead of acting 25%.

The acting minister said a mechanism is offered for removing people recognized inactive from electoral lists.

The raise of voters’ awareness will be implemented by debates on Public TV. The law will also oblige Public TV to invite candidates heading the lists of parties and blocs to debates.

The bill also bans direct and indirect heads of servicemen be in the voting room at the moment of voting.

“The government is ready to discuss the gaps for making the Electoral Code flawless,” Zeynalyan said, expressing readiness to listen and accept observations and proposals.