YEREVAN. – The semi-presidential system of governance has worn itself out in Armenia, and a parliamentary system of governance needs to be introduced.

Constitutional law expert Vardan Poghosyan, who is also a member of the President-affiliated Specialized Committee on Constitutional Reforms, said the abovementioned at Friday’s National Assembly (NA) hearings on the proposed constitutional reform.

First, Poghosyan noted that not a new Constitution, but rather draft constitutional amendments are introduced to the NA.

As per the expert, the parliamentary system of governance enables—if necessary—for a change in the government, and which is more in line with the public opinion and sentiments that are prevailing at the moment in a given country.

At the same time, however, he did not deny that parliamentary system of governance does have “weak spots,” and it may display some instability.

Nonetheless, as per Vardan Poghosyan, with constitutional amendments, the direct participation of the people increases in the governance processes.

The new draft Constitution of Armenia has been forwarded to the NA. The respective parliamentary debates will get underway on September 15. And as per the NA speaker, the constitutional referendum should be conducted in late fall.

Pursuant to the new draft Constitution, Armenia will make a transition from a semi-presidential to a parliamentary system of governance.