Venice Commission approves Armenia’s new draft Constitution

PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Commission for Democracy through Law (the Venice Commission) published Friday, September 11, the second interim evaluation on the draft amendments to the Constitution of Armenia, promulgated by special commission on constitutional reforms under the country’s President, Panorama.am reports.

The Commission presented an expert opinion concerning the 8th, 9th and 16th chapters of the draft amendments. These chapters deal with prosecutorial and investigative bodies, local authorities, the Central Election Commission, the adoption and amendment of the Constitution, referendums.

The Commission had published a preliminary assessment of the remaining chapters in July.

The commission’s preliminary assessment also includes the edited version of the 89th article of the draft amendments, which deals with the transition to the proportional electoral system and the formation of a stable majority in parliament.

This article was edited by the specialized commission on constitutional reforms at a discussion with the experts of the Venice Commission on August 24.

Thus, according to the draft amendments, the second round of parliamentary elections is not considered a necessary component of the electoral system and will possibly be regulated by the Electoral Code in the future.