Rules of the Electoral Code Remain Unchanged: Arusyak Julhakyan

During an extraordinary session of the National Assembly, the draft law on amendments and additions to the constitutional law on the "Electoral Code" was discussed.

In the course of the discussion, MP Hovik Aghazaryan inquired whether the proposed changes in the draft should not be made one year before the elections, asking if such a norm exists.

The Venice Commission has guidelines called the "Best Practices Code for Electoral Issues," which states that it is undesirable to change fundamental elements of the Electoral Code immediately before elections. It specifies which fundamental elements are being referred to: the electoral system, meaning whether it is proportional or majority-based; questions related to membership in electoral commissions; and changes to the boundaries of electoral districts.

The main rapporteur, MP Arusyak Julhakyan from the Civil Contract faction, responded, indicating that the discussion revolves around the Venice Commission's norms. She stated, "The Venice Commission's position pertains not to any amendment of the Electoral Code in general but specifically to fundamental elements. Moreover, it states that it is undesirable, not that it prohibits changes. There are also several conditions outlined under which even these fundamental elements can be subject to change. I want to clarify that we are not making any global changes here, and no game rules are changing with this draft, it merely clarifies the existing rule."