Prime Minister Pashinyan Calls Team Meeting; Main Topic Becomes Point of Contention

According to the "Hayots Ashkharh" newspaper, on March 21, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan summoned his team to a government summer residence to discuss future actions. Sources indicate that the primary topic of discussion during the meeting was the early elections and, specifically, the issue of whether or not to adopt the new Electoral Code.

Many attendees expressed that it would be unjust for the new Electoral Code not to be accepted after their extensive efforts, with elections being held under the old Electoral Code instead. Hamazaspyan Danielyan, who led the group formed to discuss the amendments, opposed this idea. There were individuals who shared his viewpoint, but many others continue to deem it unacceptable to only proceed with proportional representation elections.

In other words, there are currently conflicting sentiments within the ruling coalition as well. They gathered again on Sunday, and uncertainty remained significant. They have again failed to reach a consensus. Yesterday, a correspondent from "Hayots Ashkharh" noticed that discussions about the Electoral Code had shifted to the offices of various deputies.

Especially the deputies elected from the regions are opposed to the neutralization of the mixed electoral system. It is not ruled out that the new Electoral Code will be adopted in the newly formed parliament for the next elections. However, if early elections take place, they will be organized under the old electoral system, as Prime Minister Pashinyan himself promised during negotiations with the leaders of the LHK and BHK.