Armenian opposition MP slams election, referendum bills as rushed

The Armenian National Assembly convened an emergency session on Thursday to debate proposed amendments to the country’s Electoral Code and the referendum law, prompting sharp exchanges over whether the measures had been properly subjected to public consultation.

Opposition lawmaker Artsvik Minasyan of the Hayastan faction argued that the bills, which directly affect citizens’ political rights, should have undergone a formal public debate and review by international bodies such as the Venice Commission. “How can the bill be considered to have undergone a public debate when many NGOs, citizens and even lawmakers were unaware of the proposal?” Minasyan asked.

Interior Minister Arpine Sargsyan responded that the initiatives were introduced by Civil Contract party deputies and had been discussed in parliamentary committees. She insisted the proposals reflect “a public demand” that emerged after recent elections and campaigns, adding that European legal precedents and Venice Commission opinions had been considered.

The draft amendments would impose stricter residency requirements for voting:

• Referendums: Citizens must have lived in Armenia for at least 366 days within the past two years to be eligible, with exceptions for diplomats, public servants abroad and students.

• Parliamentary elections: Citizens must have resided in Armenia for at least 183 days within the past year, with similar exceptions.