Group of 50 citizens may apply and get registered as “No” propaganda initiative: Tigran Mukuchyan on conduction of constitutional referendum

One of the peculiarities of the referendum on constitutional changes is that besides the NGOs, party representatives may too be involved in the polling stations as observers, chairman of the Central Election Commission Tigran Mukuchyan told the reporters today.

“We have trustees from “Yes” and “No” sides and observers who may be representatives of NGOs and parties,” he said.

Mukuchyan stressed that the law registers that for initiating “No” propaganda side, deputies who voted against the bill may apply and be registered as “No” propaganda side.

“There is a 7-day set timeframe, if during that period “No” propaganda side is not being registered, a group consisting of 50 citizens may apply and get registered as “No” propaganda initiative,” Mukuchyan said.

He said that there can be one “Yes” and one “NO” propaganda side.

As to how much money will be allocated for the referendum, Mukuchyan said currently calculations are being made.

“We think it will be the same as during the previous elections as there are no essential functional differences. At the 2018 elections approximately 2,5 or 2,7 billion AMD were spent. I think the sum will be the same,” the CEC chairman said.

Mukuchyan added that the draft is considered approved if more than the half of the participants of the referendum but not less than ¼ of the eligible voters back the initiative.

The campaign will launch from February 17.