I do not know whether there is a need to amend the Constitution. But if there is, then, unlike the Constitution of 1995 and 2005, it should be based on the consensus by the main political forces. Without this consensus, if, like in the previous two cases, the opposition would refuse discussing the Basic Law, basically bringing purely political reasons, then no amendments are necessary. After 1995 and 2005, the opposition did not acknowledge the results of the referendum, genuinely believing that they are forged. The same thing will happen as of now, if such a referendum is held. Our people, as it is, does not have esteem for the Constitution, does it worth deepening this contempt?
Constitutional draft should not become a subject for political propaganda, in the sense as it becomes in Armenia. If there are doubts that the draft is “sewed” by the size of this-or-that leader, which is talked about, we are already saying it for the third time, then necessary steps should be made to eliminate those doubts. How should it be done in this case? RPA representatives, particularly the NA Speaker Galust Sahakyan as of yesterday, state that the presidential government option is quite beneficial for them, but they would probably support the parliamentary system for the development of democracy.
This allegation needs to be proved. The easiest way is as follows: bring the elaboration of the concept paper on the amendments to the end via Venice Commission and others, published the concept paper so that everybody is had access to read it and express their opinions. Later, to announce that the process of constitutional amendment is so important that it should be free from political manipulation, hence, the continuation of the process is extended until 2018. Of course, in this case, the trio would say that the Republican Party is afraid to the rallies, therefore it stepped back from the plan to be reproduced through constitutional amendments. But let me repeat, the trust in the Basic Law is more important than all the political and tactical considerations.
I have already had the occasion to say that the reproduction of the government or its change has absolutely nothing to do with the Constitution. And this is our main task. For example, Article 50 of the Basic Law says that every person having been a citizen of the Republic of Armenia for the preceding ten years, having permanently resided in the Republic for the preceding ten years is eligible to be elected as President of the Republic of Armenia. Has the second president of Armenia, who delivers speeches on advocating the constitutional order, followed this simple requirement?
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ARAM ABRAHAMYAN
