YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 24, ARMENPRESS. The long-lasting negotiations between the Armenian leadership and opposition over the Electoral Code gave their positive results. On September 23 five factions of the National Assembly signed an agreement which is aimed at installing more effective control mechanisms on the electoral processes in the Electoral Code.

The agreement not only satisfied the opposition, but also the civil society representatives.

This was the second document signed between the political forces over the reform of the Electoral Code. The same parliamentarian forces signed an agreement in June according to which amendments were made in the Electoral Code. The amendments concerned the use of preliminary online registration system of the voters’ fingerprint, however, there were some obstacles, and as a result the amendment was cancelled.

According to the provisions set by the new agreement amendments are expected not only in the Electoral Code, but also in the Criminal Code. The agreement relates to the publication of signed election lists. The opposition for years demanded this, however, it has been always rejected by the leadership. But now, according to the agreement, the signed lists will not only be published, but also they will be scanned and will be posted in the Central Election Commission’s website.

Moreover, the new amendments require toughening the punishments for election violations. Despite that the Article 150 of the Criminal Code says that 3-5 years sentence can be set for violations, it also defines additional punishment and limits the right to be in the state or local government positions for a 1-3 year terms.

The agreement says cameras must be installed in all polling stations and the online broadcasting of the election process must be provided through specific websites.

At the same time the sides agreed that this agreement doesn’t suppose consensus over the entire Electoral Code. The sides will seek to reach an agreement over other provisions during the further discussions on the Electoral Code.

Shant Klghatyan