Election Violations Must Be Eliminated and Perpetrators Held Accountable: Hakobyan

What is the purpose of tightening penalties for obstructing the election campaign, attempts of violence at polling stations, and similar incidents? During the discussion of the draft amendments to the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia, the author of the draft, Vahagn Hakobyan, was asked by MP Taguhi Tovmasyan about how many times such incidents have been recorded and how many people have gone unpunished.

Vahagn Hakobyan noted that all statistical data regarding this matter is available in the report of the Prosecutor General's Office. “I don’t think we should improve legislation solely based on statistics. Our task is to enhance the legislation to prevent negative phenomena during elections,” Hakobyan stated.

In response to Hakobyan, Taguhi Tovmasyan said, “I am aware of the messages from the Prosecutor’s Office, no need for reminders. I just want to understand how risky and appropriate these amendments are. And I know well the position of the Prosecutor's Office.”

Hakobyan also responded to Tovmasyan, stating that election violations must be eliminated, and those who commit such violations should be held accountable.