YEREVAN. – The absence of a Commander-in-Chief in Armenia in times of peace, and which is in the system to be proposed with the constitutional reforms, is a result of long contemplations and a conscious approach.

President Serzh Sargsyan stated the aforementioned during his extensive interview with the representatives of national TV broadcasting companies.

“If the reforms pass, the entire executive power [in the country] will center on the government,” Sargsyan added.

The President stressed that the duty of a Commander-in-Chief is to ensure the combat-readiness of troops in times of peace, whereas to mobilize all resources in times of war, to resolve politico-military matters.

In his words, had the presidential system of governance functioned in Armenia, he might not have resorted to these constitutional amendments because both the presidential and the parliamentary systems have their respective advantages.

The referendum on Armenia’s constitutional amendments will be conducted on Sunday.

Pursuant to the proposed amendments, the country will make a transition from a semi-presidential to a parliamentary system of governance, and conduct completely proportional parliamentary elections.

The opponents of these amendments, however, consider them to be primarily the authorities’ attempt to hang on to power.