YEREVAN. – The Government of Armenia on Thursday approved the new draft Electoral Code of the country.

Government Chief of Staff-Minister Davit Harutyunyan said during the Cabinet meeting that since this draft is of political content, the main emphasis shall be placed on the respective parliamentary debates, and that is why the relevant governmental discussions were brief.

The National Assembly (NA) debates on the new draft Electoral Code are expected to get underway during the next regular four-day NA session, which will be convened from March 14 to 17.

Pursuant to the draft Electoral Code, parliamentary elections are the only national elections in Armenia, and they will be conducted solely with proportional representation—i.e. with political party lists.

In addition, guaranteed parliamentary seats will be allocated to the four largest national minorities of Armenia.

Also, online lists will be introduced, and online voting will be available for Armenia’s diplomats and the employees of Armenian companies who work abroad.  

The new Electoral Code of the country shall be adopted by June 1.