RPA member outlines disadvantages of proportional election system

PanARMENIAN.Net - The current situation in Armenia excludes possibility of a 100% proportional voting system, according to member of ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA).

As Rafik Petrosyan told a press conference, 100% proportional system will violate the right of each citizen to elect and be elected under Armenian Constitution. RPA member outlined another disadvantage as operation of party’s governing bodies in the capital city, whereas parties usually comprise mainly central authority members in their voting lists.

“The National Assembly will turn to Parliament of Yerevan residents,” he said ironically.

Mr. Petrosyan noted that MPs elected by proportional system are not liable to residents of specific precincts in contrast to those elected by majority voting system.

The MP further attached importance to the problem of holding objective and fair elections, instead of implementing any shifts, the issue to be debated after three or four most powerful parties remain out of the present several dozens ones.

On December 27, Heritage and ARF Dashnaksutyun opposition parties issued a joint statement claiming authorities to drop majority election system and shift to 100% proportional voting.

The parties noted that proportional voting system will ensure equal competition for the political forces, expanding their public responsibility, reducing the impact of both political and electoral factors on election process.