“We should not change the rules of the game just before the game. But when it’s a question of improvement- when there are good amendments, we should not oppose it, so, my position was that the amendments were welcome,” CoE Venice Commission President Gianni Buquicchio told reporters regarding the fact that the National Assembly voted against amending the Electoral Code.
Buquicchio assured, “If the interim government will win the elections, they will have a parliamentary majority, and they will be in a position to govern the country well, so making all the reforms they intend to do. I had meetings with several authorities in Armenia, including the Prime Minister, and they gave me the impression that they are committed to change the situation in Armenia and to make the necessary changes in the Electoral Code. After the elections, many of the amendments that were proposed but not adopted will be studied.”
Then, Gianni Buquicchio made a recommendation for the current authorities. “I recommended the authorities [make changes] in an open and transparent attitude, including dialogue with all the political forces in Armenia. And, of course, the Venice Commission will be there in order to help and contribute to the best possible electoral legislation. But I am seeing a good will to go further and this is good. Of course, we must be prudent, and as you know, the proof of the cake is in eating it. So, let’s see whether all these good intentions will be followed by a real implementation, but I am confident, I am optimistic.”
The official also emphasized the Venice Commission’s position on how the changes in the Electoral Code needed to take place one year before the elections, but the commission is also not against the decision made due to the current situation. “We have to consider the specific political situation in Armenia and the need to clarify the situation in order to have a stable political scene.”
Luiza Sukiasyan
