YEREVAN. – The Armenian authorities disregarded the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) recommendations after the elections in 2012 and 2013.

Head of the Committee on International Relations of the opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC) party, Vladimir Karapetyan, noted the above-said at Wednesday’s reception devoted to the German OSCE Chairmanship in 2016.

He stated that the joint assessment by the OSCE/ODIHR and the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) of the Council of Europe, and with respect to the draft Electoral Code of Armenia, will be very important for the country’s society.

“Here, I have to recall the statement by Federica Mogherini, the [High] Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs [and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission], during her [recent] visit to [Armenia’s capital city of] Yerevan,” Karapetyan said. “If the [draft] Electoral Code is adopted without taking into account the [Armenian] public consensus and the recommendations of international organizations, the [recent] constitutional referendum [in the country] will become a missed opportunity.

“Now, Armenia is passing through a watershed. We either can adhere to democratic values, or we will fall back again.”

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