Draft Electoral Code was developed behind the back of society (video)
Draft Electoral Code was developed behind the back of society not taking into account the proposals of the opposition forces and organizations. “The document didn’t pass regulatory impact assessment, and it wasn’t published on the official website of the competent authorities for the public discussion,” says Heriknaz Tigranyan, Legal Adviser of Transparency International Anti-corruption Center. No code of independent Armenia has set that for carrying out observation mission the local organizations must be invited by the highest authorities or by the CEC. In this case there is such a regulation. “They can always fill the polling stations with the assisting, supporting NGOs and leave out more impartial, interested NGOs.” The number of observers and journalists at polling stations has been limited by eight. Besides, the observers, who violate the rules at a polling station according to 2/3 of the committee members, may be removed from the polling station. Foreign diplomatic representations also won’t have a right to observe the process of elections in Armenia. “It is strange, what is the reason for it, probably the recent behavior and statements of the embassies should be reviewed, maybe they haven’t satisfied the draft developers,” she says. The draft Electoral Code must be adopted until June 1.
