YEREVAN. – Armenia’s next presidential elections must be held on February 19, 2013, that is, fifty days before the serving President’s term in office comes to an end on April 9. 

The deadline for designating elections is December 11 of this year. Pursuant to Armenia’s Electoral Code, the Central Electoral Commission Chairman must make a respective announcement no later than 70 days before the voting.  

But the problem is that after the amendments that were made in the Electoral Code following the 2008 elections, the official campaigning period has been reduced considerably. In the case when the election date used to be announced 100 days before, now, it will be announced 70 in advance.

Also, the period for the registration of the presidential candidates has reduced. In the case when this period was no later than 90 and 75 days before the voting, now, however, this has become no later than 55 and 45 days prior to the elections.       

Accordingly, Armenia’s presidential candidates may register between December 26, 2012 and January 5, 2013.