BBC Russian Service has touched on the topic of constitutional amendments in Armenia, drawing a parallel with San Marino.

Under the draft Constitution, the National Assembly (one-chamber parliament) elected according to the proportional system for five years must consist of at least 101 MPs, the article reads. In the absence of a stable majority in the parliament after the elections, it is suggested to hold the second stage of voting, in which two parties winning maximal votes will take part. The winner of the second phase receives additional mandates.

According to the Armenian analytical Regional Studies Center (RSC), if this referendum is approved, Armenia will become the second country after San Marino with such system of governance.

According to the critics, such form of governance suppresses the democratic benefits of a parliamentary republic and enhances the impact of one party, since the second phase of the elections will allow the stronger party to press fewer rivals. 

The principle concern of the opposition is that these constitutional changes are carried out to retain the power of President Serzh Sargsyan after his second and last term ending in 2018.

If these constitutional changes are adopted, Sargsyan will be able to govern the country either as a parliament speaker or PM, enhancing his political power, the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA).