Electoral Code Amendments Package Passed Unanimously

The National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia today adopted, during its second reading and in full, the package of draft laws on amendments and supplements to the "Constitutional Law on the Electoral Code of the Republic of Armenia" with a vote of 81 in favor, 0 against, and 0 abstentions. It should be noted that this legislative package foresees several changes, which, however, will not take effect during the upcoming snap elections.

According to this package, the recording of pre-election debates on public television will become mandatory, the threshold for a coalition of up to three parties will be set at 8% and for four parties at 10%, the electoral deposit will be lowered to 7.5 million drams, making it more accessible, the scope of allowable expenses from funds will be expanded, and municipal elections may take place under conditions of military and state of emergency.

Thanks to the new draft amendments, up to 100,000 names will be removed from the voter lists, the rental of campaign headquarters and staff salaries will be declared, and individuals with convictions will be prohibited from being members of electoral commissions, among other changes.