OFFICIAL REFERENDUM CAMPAIGN STARTED

Armenpress
Oct 05, 2005

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 5, ARMENPRESS: The official campaign for
constitutional referendum started on October 4 after President
Robert Kocharian signed an order setting November 27 as the date for
constitutional referendum. Under the law on referendum the deadline is
November 26. The law also envisages release of budget funds for the
campaign and holding of the referendum to be handled by the Central
Election Commission (CEC).

The also provides for establishment of campaign funds by individuals
The amendments are intended to impose a more strict separation of
powers between the judicial, executive and legislative branches. The
proposed changes also include removal of a clause outlawing dual
citizenship for members of Armenia’s large foreign Diaspora.

Lawmakers passed the amendments on Sep. 28 by a 89-0 vote, with one
abstention. The vote was boycotted by the opposition which called
on Armenians to reject the amendments. The package of amendments
is deemed passed if supported by 780,000 votes, one third of 2,339,
704 eligible voters.