The key idea of the constitutional reforms is to prepare the country for peaceful shift in power, Minister David Harutyunyan, Head of the Armenian Government Administration, said following the July 16 meeting of the Council of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA).
"The hybrid Constitution with the semi-presidential regime has led some countries to a dangerous situation. For Armenia it may have even more threatening consequences," the minister said without specifying the threats.
The draft constitutional reforms initiated by Armenian President Serzh Sagsyan implies a switch to a parliamentary regime. According to the new draft Constitution, the President is elected by a board consisting of parliamentarians and representatives of local administrations. The President shall be non-partisan and can be elected for one term only. The presidential term is prolonged from 5 to 7 years, and the period of the presidential candidates' citizenship and permanent residence in Armenia is reduced from 10 to 7 years. According to the new draft Constitution, the Prime Minister becomes the commander-in-chief in the times of war. The Prime Minister is appointed within 3 days after the launch of the newly elected Parliament's activities. The number of the ministries is not to exceed 18. The Parliament is formed by means of proportional elections and consists of at least 101 members.