Famous musician Serj Tankian, who is the lead singer of the world-renowned American Armenian rock band System of a Down (SOAD), has written a comment on his Facebook account, and regarding the forthcoming constitutional referendum in Armenia. 

“In most cases a pure parliamentary system is preferred in more democratic leaning societies. But in other cases they can lead to more power consolidation by the ruling elite that already have significant majorities in Parliament and can be used as a lever to continue their single party rule.

The thing to consider are intentions here. This was not a consideration brought forth by the populace of Armenia (who are rightfully overly cynical about the implementation of the rule of law, voter fraud and corruption) but by the ruling elite of the country,” Tankian specifically commented.

The referendum on Armenia’s draft constitutional amendments is slated for December 6.

Pursuant to the new draft Constitution, 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 the proposed constitutional amendments, however, consider them to be primarily the authorities’ attempt to hang on to power.