David Harutyunyan. “I am much more optimistic about chances of women being elected.”

Today first reading on the draft of the new Electoral Code launched in the Parliament. Let’s recall that the bill, which was submitted for formal consideration, was subjected to certain changes that occurred as a result of the public consultation.

The project’s main speaker- Chief of Government Staff David Harutyunyan, Minister-  presenting the changes, especially stopped on changes affecting women – quotas supporting women. He said that there are important innovations in this direction.

David Harutyunyan said that he is more optimistic about chances of women being elected, and believes that at least 80 percent of women present there can be selected by regional lists. “I think the quota should be increased step by step and the offered the option will  change the situation to a great extent, as in case of the small fractions at least 20%  of women’s representation (1 women) is guaranteed.

However, it is possible to discuss offer on 30/70 and it is possible to fix in the Electoral Code, at the same time providing 25 percent by transitional provisions – for the coming elections.

According to the procedure, at the first and second reading mode MPs represent their recommendations, as a result of which the project can be subject to significant changes.

The debates on the Electoral Code Continues …

Full text in Armenian