YEREVAN, AUGUST 22, ARMENPRESS. The Venice Commission transmitted to the authorities of Armenia the 2nd joint opinion with the OSCE/ODIHR (Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights) on the amended Electoral Code of Armenia on July 19, “Armenpress” was informed from the press service of the CoE.

The document outlines that the electoral reform under consideration stemmed from the adoption of a new constitution in December, 2015 shifting the governance system of Armenia from a semi-presidential to a  parliamentary one. “While the electoral system is totally new, the reform addressed issues, such as the accuracy of voter lists, which had been the object of longstanding OSCE/ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations. Importantly, the adoption of the new Electoral Code on 25 May 2016 was achieved with a significant majority and was followed by a broad political agreement between the governing and opposition parties on additional measures to enhance the preconditions for democratic elections (local elections will be held in the autumn of 2016 and parliamentary elections in the spring of 2017). Civil society organizations were also constructively involved in the negotiations, although they eventually did not sign the final agreement. The agreement formed the basis for additional amendments to the Electoral Code adopted by the Parliament on 30 June 2016, bringing about, in particular, the use of new technologies for the oversight of the electoral process, on condition that adequate funding is secured. Many of these additional amendments may be seen as measures to increase public confidence in the new electoral system and procedures. This situation shows a welcome constructive attitude on the part of both the majority and the opposition, which may be conducive to the good faith implementation of the new Electoral Code. The Venice Commission and OSCE/ODIHR underscore their support for this spirit of compromise and their wish for it to continue to prevail as regards the implementation of the Electoral Code and the election of a new Central Electoral Commission in the autumn of 2016”, reads the document.

The second joint opinion of the OSCE/ODIHR is available here.