YEREVAN. - Even the European experts are not able to make head or tails of the Armenian draft Electoral Code, head of the Armenian National Congress (ANC) faction said in the parliament Monday, speaking at the discussion of the draft Electoral Code during its second reading.

In his words, Armenia can set only its democracy resource against the Azerbaijani petrodollars, when everyone knows that something depends on their will and decisions. In Zurabyan’s words, this will increase the country’s power.  As to the draft Electoral Code, international organizations such as the OSCE and Venice Commission, note the importance of the consensus between the political forces, which hasn’t yet been reached, Zurabyan noted. 

“At the same time, they express concern about the terms of the reforms: It’s very difficult for the society to grasp such radical changes in less than a year. Comprehensive discussions with the participation of the civil society are needed. Apparently, this requirement hasn’t been fulfilled either. It is to be reiterated that the proposed reforms are very complex. I met specialists at the Council of Europe who took part in the development of the electoral law for two dozens of European countries. They told me: “We read your Electoral Code for five times and still can’t understand anything.” Ordinary people will obviously understand even less. And this will not contribute to the growth of confidence towards the elections,” Zurabyan said.

According to the opposition MP, the draft electoral Code can be adopted, but its implementation should be cancelled till the next parliamentary elections of 2022, so that the political forces manage to adapt to it. Considering all this, the ANC will vote against the draft Electoral Code, he concluded.