The reformed draft Constitution envisages introduction of a second round practice in the parliamentary elections in Armenia, but it does not at all rule out formation of a coalition. Nothing prevents the political forces that overcome the electoral threshold from forming a coalition before the second round. The same is true for the forces taking part in the second round, Hrayr Tovmasyan, member of the Commission for Constitutional Reforms, told journalists in Yerevan on July 17.
On July 15, the specialized commission on constitutional reforms of Armenia has posted seven chapters of the reformed draft Constitution of the country on the website of the Armenian Justice Ministry. The seven chapters were approved during the commission's meeting on July 13.
"The second round of elections is held in case no party can become an absolute majority to form the government following the parliamentary elections," said Tovmasyan.
He noted that all the parties overcoming the threshold and getting seats in the Parliament will receive their mandates. So will the party gaining the second place in the second round.
He said the minimum number of deputy mandates is 101, the maximum number is 198, and the most probable and preferable number is 120-130.
The main novelty in the Constitution is the transition to a 100% proportional electoral system. The name of the candidate proposed by a party for the Prime Minister's position will be mentioned on the proportional list. The parliamentary majority will be formed by the Government.
The draft Constitution will undergo public debates by late July. It may even undergo some changes in case acceptable proposals are made. Afterwards the document will be submitted for the consideration of the President and, if approved, it will be submitted to the National Assembly of Armenia. The referendum day will be fixed after the Parliament adopts the draft Constitution.