YEREVAN. – Armenia itself needs to decide on its draft Electoral Code, and the international community can only help.

Barbara Davis, Head at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Office in Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia, noted the aforementioned at Friday’s public debate on this draft law of the country.

She recalled that a joint delegation of experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) of the Council of Europe will arrive in Armenia next week. 

Davis stated that the delegation members will hold separate consultations with the country’s political parties and civil society.

Also, the OSCE official expressed the hope that all parties will continue to meet with these experts, and as a result, the OSCE/ODIHR and Venice Commission experts will reach a joint conclusion.

The Armenian National Assembly will soon start deliberations on the draft Electoral Code, which has been sent to the Venice Commission, for expert opinion.

Pursuant to this draft law, parliamentary elections will be single and nationwide in the country.

The new Electoral Code shall be adopted by June 1.