The Council of Europe had organized a conference entitled “Electoral developments in Armenia: Lessons learned and further steps”. The program within which the conference was held is co-funded by the EU.
The head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Peter Switalski said, the CEC chairman Tigran Mukuchyan’s participation in the discussion shows the willingness of the authorities to successfully introduce democratic standards in Armenia, “No one can say that the recent elections in Armenia were perfect, seriously announce that Armenia has reached the level that was needed, has reached the perfection of democratic standards. This is still in process. We can say that we are almost halfway. It took 25 years to go toward that goal. I know what external and internal factors have formed this path, quite long compared to other countries, compared to post-Soviet countries. We can also evaluate it as positive compared to other countries. Let historians assess this. The next national elections are quite far, I will not be here, many experts will not be here, perhaps a lot of things will be forgotten, till the interested parties in the RA prepare for the next elections”, joked Switalski.
He expressed his hope that in 2-3 years when the next elections approach, there will be drastic changes in our country.
Switalski noted that the Republic of Armenia achieved quite a big success in “Electoral Code” discussion when the opposition and the ruling coalition decided to sit around one table and discuss issues. But the message must be clear, “Consensus incorporated a limited number of code points to the Electoral Code. Some points were not admitted. Those were so called rating lists. The Armenian side has to decide whether these lists worked or not. Let us not suffer from illusions, this is quite a serious issue. All sides have to make compromises to find a solution. I have my own opinions about it, I am sure that all Armenians should discuss the problem. The ruling powers are trying to adjust the “Electoral Code” to their political goals. Even in the most democratic countries this is a natural instinct. Elements are used to benefit the ruling party, serve its interests”.
Then Peter Switalski called the authorities for, “Improve the “Electoral Code”. The elections have shown that there is room for improvement. But do it in a spirit of mutual understanding. The second message concerns the institutions. We saw that the credibility of institutions is important in Armenia. What is important for Armenians, three things: the CEC, which is not only effective, I want to publicly express my greatest assessment of the effective work of the CEC, but the problem is not only the efficiency but reliability. It is not only about the facts, but perceptions. The CEC staff should include representatives of civil society, etc. My advice to the Armenians: think, examine the CEC stuff issue, also seek ways you can make the CEC more reliable to public”.
Switalski also spoke about vote-buying during his speech, sending a clear message to the authorities, also hinted about Republican deputy Artak Sargsyan’s “uncivil and crude” meeting.
Hripsime JEBEJYAN
