YEREVAN. – Zhoghovurd newspaper of Armenia writes: Although the NA [National Assembly] My Step [majority] faction has put into circulation the draft On Amendments to the Electoral Code Constitutional Law since March 9, Zhoghovurd daily was informed that at the moment the authorities still do not have the [respective] opinion of the Venice Commission.

In fact, the ruling faction once again did not wait for a conclusion to come from the professional commission, they consider the opinion of that authoritative body only advisory, and decided to make such serious amendments without waiting for their opinion.

It is no secret, however, that the Venice Commission opposes early holding of snap elections after amending the Electoral Code or the Constitution, and suggests waiting at least six months.

And perhaps this is the reason why this time the authorities have decided not to even wait for the conclusion and put the package into circulation and discuss the issue in the parliament without it.

However, let us note that the proposed amendments are significant; the electoral system, the threshold for parties and blocs, the election deposit, etc. must be changed.

Let us add that the draft was developed by the My Step faction itself.