Will the National Assembly Dissolve? What 'My Step' Discussed

In February, a draft on amendments to the Electoral Code will be subjected to public discussion in Armenia. After a meeting of the 'My Step' faction, MP Hamazasp Danielyan spoke with reporters, noting that they discussed potential constitutional amendments, the possibility of dissolving the National Assembly, and other options.

"During the month of February, we will first put the Electoral Code up for public discussion and then for circulation, meaning the part of the code concerning the electoral system and other sections. When we were planning electoral reforms 1.5 years ago, there was an idea that we would mainly address this issue after constitutional amendments, because there are provisions in the electoral system regulated by the Constitution," Danielyan stated.

The MP highlighted that constitutional changes have not yet occurred, but the package of the Electoral Code is largely ready. They have discussed the potential for making specific constitutional amendments in the National Assembly. He emphasized that these changes must naturally fall within the powers of the National Assembly.

"We discussed several options, and the discussions are ongoing," Danielyan mentioned.

When asked whether the idea of allowing the National Assembly to dissolve itself, proposed by their faction member Vahagn Hovakimyan, was discussed, he confirmed that they talked about that as well. "There are different ideas; it is not one point but many points related to the timing of early elections, and so on," he noted.

However, Danielyan pointed out that making constitutional amendments in the National Assembly is not solely up to 'My Step.' "Such a change requires at least 88 votes, therefore the opposition must also express their viewpoint. Consequently, we are still at a very early stage to provide any concrete information. There has been no clear decision on the discussion," he said, adding that this discussion within the faction is preliminary, and it is too early to take a position.

According to Danielyan, if at least one opposition faction shows interest, they will negotiate with the majority-forming faction on this matter.