YEREVAN, APRIL 28, ARMENPRESS. The National Assembly of Armenia adopts the draft Electoral Code at first reading. “Armenpress” reports 98 MPs voted “for”, 9 “against” the draft code, 5 MPs abstained.

President of the National Assembly Galust Sahakyan announced that the decision has been taken, which caused discontent among opposition MPs. Head of the ANC faction Levon Zurabyan, who had not participated in the discussion of the draft Electoral Code, announced that the Electoral Code has been adopted with violation of the statute. “We have information that there were factions that wanted to take a 20-minute break before voting”, Zurabyan said, stating that no one was give an opportunity to speak about the Standing Orders.

National Assembly Vice President Eduard Sharmazanov announced that 98 MPs in front of cameras openly voted “for” the draft Electoral Code.

Vice President of the National Assembly Hermine Naghdalyan read a relevant article of the Natioanal Assembly statute, according to which the MPs can give a speech referring the Standing Order after or before voting. “Now, after the voting you are give a right to give a speech on the Standing Order. So you should not spread misinformation”, Naghdalyan said, adding that no one has asked for a 20-minute break.