RA President objects to introduction of amendments to RA Electoral Code

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan presented his objections concerning a package of bills on introduction of amendments to the RA Electoral Code, Law on Prosecutor’s Office and on Special Investigative Service. Specifically, the Armenian President objected to the provision on depriving presidential candidates of immunity.

According to member of the Republican Party parliamentary group Gagik Isagulyan, who presented the President’s objection, Serzh Sargsyan intends to preserve equality for presidential candidates, as the amendments prompts that only the acting president will have the opportunity to enjoy immunity during the election campaign.

Secretary of the ARF Dashnaktsutyun party Artyusha Shahbazyan noted that his party supports the President’s objection, as preservation of equality for candidates during the election campaign stems from democratic principles.

For his part, member of the Republican Party parliamentary group Rafik Petrosyan noted that the number of officials, who have immunity, has sharply increased in recent years, though only parliament members and the President should enjoy this right under the RA Constitution. “We initiated this bill for this purpose. The President’s objection is clear and acceptable, as it is aimed at creating an equal legal field during a presidential race,” said Petrosyan.

Meanwhile, head of Heritage parliamentary group Stepan Safaryan said he does not agree with his colleagues that the number of officials, who enjoy immunity, has increased, as it refers only to election campaigns, which are short-term. “In countries like Armenia, where there are political prisoners, candidates should be provided with immunity to be able to freely implement their election campaign. Otherwise, an artificial criminal case may be initiated against them to frustrate their ambitions,” said Safaryan.

Under the bill, candidates of both parliamentary and presidential elections should be deprived of immunity.