CIS observers think it is expedient to improve Electoral Code of Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - "CIS Mission experts analyzed the Election Code of Armenia to find out if it meets the demands of Convention on standards of democratic elections, rights to vote and freedom in CIS member-states, which Armenia has undersigned and ratified. Experts state the legislation includes standards of the above-mentioned Convention," Executive Secretary of the Commonwealth, head of CIS Mission Vladimir Rushaylo stated.



"The Electoral Code of the Republic of Armenia in its current wording provides a firm base for holding free and democratic elections. Nevertheless, CIS observers think, it is desirable to improve and clarify certain norms of the legislation. Thus, for example it is expedient to provide the right to vote those citizens who temporary live abroad. It is also advisable to widen the circle of absentee voters. Besides voters in hospitals persons who are not able to move without assistance could also be given possibility to vote with the help of mobile ballot-boxes," he noticed.



In his statement Vladimir Rushaylo underlined that, "observers consider it possible to discuss the issue of granting Precinct Polling Stations one day prior to the elections or the election day the right to include names of citizens in additional lists basing on their identity cards, who at the same time do not have certificate from a plenipotentiary body or a court deciasion about permission to vote."



Observers think certain procedures supposed by the Electoral Code (placing bulletins into envelopes, sealing) extremely drag out the process of voting and are needless. Representatives of political parties during their meetings with CIS observers expressed views about expediency of further improvement of certain norms in the Electoral Code.