ArmInfo Leader of Prosperous Armenia Party Naira Zohrabyan stated in the Armenian Parliament that she does not believe that fair elections will be held in the country even if the Electoral Code is amended.
"Even if we have the most ideal legislation, it will be impossible to hold fair elections in Armenia if there is no political will. While the Armenian authorities do not have such will and local elections in Gyumri and Vanadzor, when victory was simply "stolen" from the opposition, have demonstrated this. If the authorities did not agree to admit their failure at least in one city they will never do that on parliamentary elections", she stated.
At the same time Zohrabyan stated that the Prosperous Armenia Party votes for amendments in Electoral Code as they provide at least certain guarantees for controlling electoral processes.
To note, today Armenian Parliament is discussing amendments to the Electoral Code. Minister, Head of Government Administration David Harutyunyan, who was presenting the document, noted that the main amendment relates to scanning electoral lists signed by the voted citizens and their publication on the website of Central Electoral Commission. This is done to control the process of citizens' participation in the voting and not to allow double voting or voting by false documents. Harutyunyan noted that this amendment contradicts to the norms of Venice Commission, however the authorities have agreed to this step in order to restore citizens' confidence towards electoral processes. The second important amendment made in the document relates to installment of video cameras in the polling stations for controlling the electoral process. Broadcasting will be online and video materials will be archived. Special commission comprised of representatives from the authorities, political forces and civil society will purchase the equipment. 15 mln EUR is needed for purchasing video equipment, the Armenian government agreed to allocate 3 mln, while donor organizations promised to provide the remaining funds. Harutyunyan informed that as for now only the Armenian government has fulfilled its financial obligation.