ArmInfo.Armenian President Armen Sarkissian has not signed the amendments to the Electoral Code, which provide for the rejection of the rating system of voting.
Thus, according to the press service of the head of the Armenian state, the law was signed by the president on April 2. The document was discussed with the heads of a number of political forces, political figures, representatives of the Central Election Commission, listened to their opinions and comments. "Studies conducted by the presidential administration have shown that the law is not deliberately problematic from the point of view of constitutionality," the report says.
At the same time, according to the press service, the president has fundamental comments. In particular, it is indicated that the amendments were supported only by the political majority of the parliament. "The President of the Republic will not sign the law, but will not apply to the Constitutional Court to determine its compliance with the Constitution," the statement on the website of the President of Armenia reads.
It is also recalled that the President of the Republic has repeatedly stated that the holding of early elections to overcome the crisis should be preceded by a process of comprehensive amendments to the Constitution, as well as to the Electoral Code. Moreover, this process should be carried out within a reasonable period of time and in accordance with the principles of democracy, involving all segments of society, and the provisions concerning the electoral system should be aimed at forming a National Assembly with the logic of the best representation of the interests of the voters.
It is stated that, in the opinion of the Venice Commission, changes to the electoral legislation should be made at least a year before the elections. The Venice Commission also stated its position that the stability of the electoral system is one of the most important principles, and that there should be sufficient time for in-depth public discussions on amendments to the Electoral Code with the participation of all stakeholders. In accordance with the Basic Law of the country, if the President does not sign the laws adopted by the legislative body and does not apply to the Constitutional Court, the Chairman of the National Assembly signs and promulgates the law within five days.
Recall that at an extraordinary session of the Armenian Parliament on April 1, the deputies adopted amendments to the Electoral Code (EC) by 82 votes in favor. The law was approved by the deputies of the government faction "My Step" and a group of independent deputies. The opposition did not take part in the vote.
The amendments to the Electoral Code imply a complete rejection of the rating electoral system. Thus, the election of candidates on territorial lists is canceled and a proportional system is established, according to which voters will vote only for a specific political force.
The new changes also imply the removal of restrictions on the number of parties participating in the formation of post-election coalitions and the extension of the deadline for their formation. Meanwhile, the opposition said that the legitimacy of the expected June 20 elections is questionable, since the amendments were adopted without its participation by the ruling majority in parliament.