LAW REFORMED, ATTITUDE UNCHANGED

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| 14:24:55 | 18-06-2005 | Politics |

All the proposals by the Venice Commission with the exception of
one were included in the amended Electoral Code. “During the meeting
with the Venice Commission members I said that if fingers are inked
I will not participate in the elections”, Central Election Committee
chairman Garegin Azaryan said. He considers that such a condition
is humiliating not only for the voter but also for the election
commission members.

While working out the amendments to the Electoral Code the CEC chairman
has considered a great number of proposals. Some of them were adopted,
some weren’t. G. Azaryan is content that his proposals on roll filing,
appeal order, creation of computer network, exclusion of “Against all”
column from the voting paper were included in the amended Electoral
Code. His suggestion that the outcomes of the election should not
be summed up at the polling station was as well adopted. As the
CEC chairman Garegin Azaryan should fulfill the requirements of
the Electoral Code. However as an ordinary citizen and specialist
he considers the order of formation of the election commissions to
be inadmissible.

“Let us not forget that our Electoral Code does not determine the
criteria for the members of the election commissions. However I would
be glad if the commissions consisted of professionals. At that parties
and candidates can have the consultative vote. It is a classic variant
functioning in a number of European states”, he added.

Garegin Azaryan views that fact that henceforth the juridical power
will have the right to appoint its representatives to the election
commissions as positive. To remind, in Armenia the President is the
head of the Justice Council, who is empowered to appoint judges.

As for the rights of the empowered persons and observers, Garegin
Azaryan considers that pre-conditions for the conduction of free
and fair elections have been created. “The real shortcomings of
the Electoral Code will be revealed at practice only, since it is
impossible to apply even the best law without appropriate attitude
of the society”, he resumed.

Lena Badeyan