WHO CAN DISMISS PRESIDENT?

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| 15:39:04 | 04-06-2005 | Politics |

The Armenian President can be dismissed for treason or other grave
crime. In this case the National Assembly on the basis of the decision
taken by the majority of the deputies appeals to the Constitutional
Court for conclusion. Then on the basis of the positive conclusion
adopted by the 2/3 of the CC, the NA is to take a decision with
at least 2/3 of the votes. The coalition’s draft says, “If the
Constitutional Court concludes that there is no ground for the
dismissal of the President, the issue is removed from the NA agenda”.

The Venice Commission has already expressed discontent with the
coalition’s draft constitutional amendments adopted in the first
reading by the NA. the draft does not take into account the proposals
of the Commission, especially the ones referring to the balance between
the President and the parliament (what provides for greater role of
the NA), independence of the juridical system and the elective post
of the Mayor.

This week we asked 100 citizens about the possibilities of dismissing
the President. 22% consider that the President can be dismissed by
2/3 of the NA and 2/3 of the CC. 33% hold the opinion that if the
majority of the deputies decide to dismiss the President the issue
should be resolved via referendum. 26% think that the President
should be dismissed by the people. 19% found difficulty in answering.

Karine Asatryan