Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 78. Electoral districts
1. During elections of the National Assembly, 13 electoral districts shall be constituted in the Republic of Armenia — 4 in Yerevan, 9 in marzes.
2. In the territory of the city of Yerevan 4 electoral districts shall be constituted — Avan, Nor
Nork, Kanaker-Zeytun administrative districts shall be included in the 1st electoral district,
Arabkir, Ajapnyak, Davitashen administrative districts — in the 2nd electoral district, Malatia-Sebastia,
Shengavit administrative districts — in the 3rd electoral district, Kentron, Nork-Marash,
Erebuni, Nubarashen administrative districts — in the 4th electoral district.
3. In marzes 9 electoral districts shall be constituted — Ararat Marz, Armavir Marz,
Aragatsotn Marz, Gegharkunik Marz, Lori Marz, Kotayk Marz, Shirak Marz, Syunik and Vayots
Dzor Marzes, Tavush Marz.
Source: Electoral Code of 25 May 2016, Art. 78: http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-REF(2016)042-e
Verified: 2017/04/12
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Comments: Article 78. Electoral districts
1. During elections of the National Assembly, 13 electoral districts shall be constituted in the Republic of Armenia — 4 in Yerevan, 9 in marzes.
2. In the territory of the city of Yerevan 4 electoral districts shall be constituted — Avan, Nor
Nork, Kanaker-Zeytun administrative districts shall be included in the 1st electoral district,
Arabkir, Ajapnyak, Davitashen administrative districts — in the 2nd electoral district, Malatia-Sebastia,
Shengavit administrative districts — in the 3rd electoral district, Kentron, Nork-Marash,
Erebuni, Nubarashen administrative districts — in the 4th electoral district.
3. In marzes 9 electoral districts shall be constituted — Ararat Marz, Armavir Marz,
Aragatsotn Marz, Gegharkunik Marz, Lori Marz, Kotayk Marz, Shirak Marz, Syunik and Vayots
Dzor Marzes, Tavush Marz.
Source: Electoral Code of 25 May 2016, art. 78: http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-REF(2016)042-e
Verified: 2017/04/12
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
f . A government department or agency
Comments: Article 78 of the electoral code defines electoral boundaries by administrative regions.
Source: Electoral Code of 25 May 2016, Art. 78:
http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-REF(2016)042-e
Verified: 2017/04/12
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
a . Head of State is the Head of Government d . Indirectly elected by legislature e . Elected by electoral college or committee
Comments: Article 123. Status and Functions of the President of the Republic
1. The President of the Republic shall be the head of the State.
Article 125. Procedure for Electing the President of the Republic
1. The President of the Republic shall be elected by the National Assembly.
2. Regular elections of the President of the Republic shall be held not earlier than forty and not later than thirty days prior to the expiry of the powers of the President of the Republic.
3. At least one fourth of the total number of Deputies shall have the right to nominate a candidate for the President of the Republic.
4. The candidate having received at least three fourths of votes of the total number of Deputies shall be elected as President of the Republic. In case President of the Republic is not elected, a second round of elections shall be held wherein all candidates having taken part in the first round may participate. In the second round, the candidate having received at least three fifths of votes of the total number of Deputies shall be elected as President of the Republic. In case President of the Republic is not elected, a third round of elections shall be held wherein the two candidates having received a greater number of votes in the second round may participate. In the third round, the candidate having received the majority of votes of the total number of Deputies shall be elected as President of the Republic.
5. In case President of the Republic is not elected, a new election for the President of the Republic shall be held within a period of ten days.
6. The details related to the procedure for electing the President of the Republic shall be prescribed by the Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Armenia (2015), Art. 123, 125:
http://www.president.am/en/constitution-2015/
Verified: 2017/04/12
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
d . Leader of the party which forms the government becomes Head of Government
Comments: Article 149. Election and Appointment of the Prime Minister
1. Immediately after commencement of the term of powers of the newly-elected National Assembly, the President of the Republic shall appoint as Prime Minister the candidate nominated by the parliamentary majority formed under the procedure prescribed by Article 89 of the Constitution.
2. In case the Prime Minister submits a resignation or in other cases of the office of the Prime Minister becoming vacant, the factions of the National Assembly shall be entitled to nominate candidates for Prime Minister within a period of seven days after accepting the resignation of the Government. The National Assembly shall elect the Prime Minister by majority of votes of the total number of Deputies.
3. In case Prime Minister is not elected, a new election of Prime Minister shall be held seven days after voting, wherein the candidates for Prime Minister nominated by at least one third of the total number of Deputies shall be entitled to participate. In case Prime Minister is not elected by majority of votes of the total number of Deputies, the National Assembly shall be dissolved by virtue of law.
4. The election of the Prime Minister shall be held by roll-call voting.
5. The President of the Republic shall immediately appoint as Prime Minister the candidate elected by the National Assembly.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Armenia (2015), art. 149:
http://www.president.am/en/constitution-2015/
Verified: 2017/04/12
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 123. Status and Functions of the President of the Republic
1. The President of the Republic shall be the head of the State.
2. The President of the Republic shall observe the compliance with the Constitution.
3. In the course of exercising his or her powers, the President of the Republic shall be impartial and shall be guided exclusively by state-wide and nation-wide interests.
4. The President of the Republic shall perform his or her functions through the powers prescribed by the Constitution.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Armenia (2015), art. 123:
http://www.president.am/en/constitution-2015/
Verified: 2017/04/12
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: Legislative power is vested in the National Assembly, which consists of 101 deputies.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Armenia (2005), art. 88:
http://www.president.am/en/constitution-2015/
Verified: 2017/04/12
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments: Article 77. Electoral system
1. Elections of the National Assembly shall be held under the proportional electoral
system, from one multi-mandate constituency covering the whole territory of the Republic
from among candidates for Deputies nominated in the national and district electoral lists of
political parties.
Source: Electoral Code of 25 May 2016, art. 77:
http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-REF(2016)042-e
Verified: 2017/04/05
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation e . Other
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Armenia (2015),:http://www.president.am/en/constitution-2015/;
Electoral Code of 25 May 2016:
http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-REF(2016)042-e;
Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia (2003), art. 149-154.6:
https://www.unodc.org/res/cld/document/armenia_criminal_code_html/Armenia_Criminal_Code_of_the_Republic_of_Armenia_2009.pdf(2015);
Administrative Violations Code of the Republic of Armenia (1985), art. 40.1-40.12.
Verified: 2015/12/01
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections c . Local elections d . Referendums
Comments: The national electoral law covers elections of the National Assembly, election of the president and local self-government elections.
Source: Electoral Code of 25 May 2016:
http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-REF(2016)042-e
Verified: 2017/04/06
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: Article 48. Right of Suffrage and Right to Participate in a Referendum
1. Citizens of the Republic of Armenia having attained the age of eighteen on the day of an election to the National Assembly or on the day of a referendum, shall have the right to elect and the right to participate in the referendum.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Armenia (2015),:http://www.president.am/en/constitution-2015/;
Verified: 2015/12/01
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary b . EMB
Comments: art 14 of the electoral code allows for complaints related to the list of electors can be heard by "superior authorities or through judicial procedure.
art 47 and 48 clarify that the Central Election Commission may hear election complaints and that decisions may be appealed through administrative or judicial procedure.
Source: Electoral Code of 25 May 2016, art. 14,47,48:
http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-REF(2016)042-e
Verified: 2015/12/01
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level c . Local level
Comments: The Central Electoral Commission is an independent state authority which shall organise
the elections of the National Assembly and local self-government bodies, referenda, as well as
exercise supervision over the lawfulness thereof.
Source: Electoral Code of 25 May 2016, art. 51:
http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-REF(2016)042-e
Verified: 2017/04/06
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature g . Other
Comments: Article 24. Funding of organisation and holding of elections
1. The funding of expenditures for organising and holding elections (including drawing up lists
of electors, organising professional courses for holding elections), as well as of expenditures
necessary for the activities of electoral commissions shall be made at the expense of the funds
of the State Budget. Such expenditures shall be provided for by the State Budget under a
separate item and shall be incorporated under one line in the Public Procurement Plan for state
needs.
When making procurement at the expense of financial means allocated for organising and
holding elections, the procurement procedure shall be prescribed by the Central Electoral
Commission
Source: Electoral Code of 25 May 2016, art. 24:
http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-REF(2016)042-e
Verified: 2015/12/01
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature g . Other
Comments: Article 24. Funding of organisation and holding of elections
1. The funding of expenditures for organising and holding elections (including drawing up lists
of electors, organising professional courses for holding elections), as well as of expenditures
necessary for the activities of electoral commissions shall be made at the expense of the funds
of the State Budget. Such expenditures shall be provided for by the State Budget under a
separate item and shall be incorporated under one line in the Public Procurement Plan for state
needs.
When making procurement at the expense of financial means allocated for organising and
holding elections, the procurement procedure shall be prescribed by the Central Electoral
Commission.
2. In case of holding early, new regular, new elections, repeat voting, as well as second round
of election of the National Assembly, elections shall be funded from the reserve fund of the
State Budget and, if it is impossible, the Central Electoral Commission shall use the funds
available on the special account of electoral deposits of the Central Electoral Commission.
Where the funds available on the special account of electoral deposits of the Central Electoral
Commission are not sufficient, the Central Electoral Commission may, on a competitive basis,
obtain a loan from private banks. In this case, it is considered by virtue of law that the
Government of the Republic of Armenia has provided the banks — in the amount of that sum,
including the sum for service of loan — with a budget guarantee for a term of 3 years without
any security. The Government shall — within a 3-year period — reimburse the funds used from
the special account of electoral deposits, and the loan.
Source: Electoral Code of 25 May 2016, art. 24:
http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-REF(2016)042-e
Verified: 2017/04/06
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: Members of the Central Electoral Commission shall be appointed for six years.
Source: Electoral Code of 25 May 2016, art. 42:
http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-REF(2016)042-e
Verified: 2015/12/01
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: Article 51. Functions and powers of the Central Electoral Commission
1. The Central Electoral Commission is an independent state authority which shall organise
the elections of the National Assembly and local self-government bodies, referenda, as well as
exercise supervision over the lawfulness thereof.
Source: Electoral Code of 25 May 2016, art. 51 (1):
http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-REF(2016)042-e
Verified: 2015/12/01
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: The Central Electoral Commission shall be composed of seven members.
Source: Electoral Code of 25 May 2011, art. 42:
http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-REF(2016)042-e
Verified: 2015/12/01
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments: 3. Everyone, meeting the requirements for Deputies, shall be eligible for being elected as
member of the Central Electoral Commission provided that he or she has:
(1) higher legal education and at least 3 years of professional work record within the last 5
years;
- 31 - CDL-REF(2016)042
(2) scientific degree in law and at least 2 years of professional work record within the last 5
years;
(3) higher education and at least 5 years of work record of public service in state bodies
within the last 10 years; or
(4) higher education and at least 3 years of professional experience in a standing electoral
commission within the last 5 years or at least 3 years of work record in the staff of the
commission.
Source: Electoral Code of 25 May 2016, art. 42 (3):
http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-REF(2016)042-e
Verified: 2015/12/01
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
e . Legislature
Comments: The chairperson and members of the Central Electoral Commission shall be elected as
prescribed by the Law of the Republic of Armenia “Rules of Procedure of the National
Assembly”.
Elections shall be held:
(1) no earlier than 3 months and no later than 1 day before termination of powers of the
chairperson or member of the Central Electoral Commission. In this case, newlyelected
chairperson or member of the Central Electoral Commission shall assume his
or her powers on the day of termination of powers of the chairperson or member of
the Central Electoral Commission, respectively;
(2) within a 3-month period after the relevant position remains vacant, in case of early
termination or termination of powers of the chairperson or member of the Central
Electoral Commission.
Source: Electoral Code of 25 May 2016, art. 42 (5):
http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-REF(2016)042-e
Verified: 2015/12/01
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
m . No information available
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code of 26 May 2011: http://res.elections.am/images/doc/_ecode.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
d . No information available
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code of 26 May 2011: http://res.elections.am/images/doc/_ecode.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
a . No
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code of 26 May 2011: http://res.elections.am/images/doc/_ecode.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: Citizens of the Republic of Armenia that have attained the age of 18 on the day of the voting shall have the right to vote in the Republic of Armenia.
Source: Electoral Code of 26 May 2011, art. 2 (1): http://res.elections.am/images/doc/_ecode.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship
Comments: Citizens of the Republic of Armenia, having attained the age of eighteen as of the day of voting, shall have the right to vote in the Republic of Armenia. Persons not holding the citizenship of the Republic of Armenia shall have the right to vote at local self-government elections in case of being, prior to the voting day, registered for at least six months in the population register of the community where elections are held.
Citizens who are not registered in the Republic of Armenia, may not participate in the voting at elections of local self-government bodies and elections to the National Assembly under the majoritarian electoral system.
Citizens not registered in the Republic of Armenia shall participate in the voting at national elections in case of being included in a supplementary list of electors as prescribed by the Electoral Code of Armenia.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Armenia (2005), art. 30: http://res.elections.am/images/doc/consist_eng.pdf (2013);
Electoral Code of 26 May 2011, art. 2 (1, 4, 5): http://res.elections.am/images/doc/_ecode.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
a . Central Government Department (specify)
Comments: The Voter Register of the Republic of Armenia shall be maintained and the list of voters compiled by the public administration body authorized by the Government of the Republic of Armenia (hereinafter referred to as “the Authorized Body”) maintaining the State Population Register. The Authorized Body shall be responsible for compiling and maintaining the Voter Register and the list of voters.
Source: Electoral Code of 26 May 2011, art. 7 (2): http://res.elections.am/images/doc/_ecode.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Citizens of the Republic of Armenia included in the State Population Register of the Republic of Armenia, registered in a community of the Republic of Armenia and having the right of suffrage shall be included in the Register of Electors of the Republic of Armenia.
Citizens having no registration in the Republic of Armenia as well as persons not holding the citizenship of the Republic of Armenia but having the right to vote at elections of self-government bodies, shall not be included in the Register of Electors of the Republic of Armenia, which does not restrict their right to be included in the list of electors.
Source: Electoral Code of 26 May 2011, art. 7 (1): http://res.elections.am/images/doc/_ecode.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2015/12/01
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
b . Deposit requirement (specify amount) e . Minimum number of candidates f . Other
Comments: Registration documents of a political party, an alliance of political parties shall be submitted to the Central Electoral Commission only by the authorized representative of the party, the alliance of political parties within time limits prescribed by the Electoral Code of the Republic of Armenia.
The following shall be attached to the application of a political party, an alliance of political parties on running in the elections to the National Assembly:
(1) the Statute of the party (in case of an alliance of political parties - the Statutes of the parties included in the alliance);
(2) the decision of the permanently functioning body of the political party (in case of an alliance of political parties — the decisions of permanently functioning bodies of member parties of the alliance) on the nomination of an electoral list of candidates for deputies of the National Assembly under the proportional electoral system, the electoral list, which shall include –– by consecutive numbers –– the last name, first name, patronymic name, date of birth, political affiliation, personal identification document number, place of registered residence, work place and position (occupation) of candidates;
(3) the written statement of the candidates nominated by the electoral list of the political party on their consent for being registered as a candidate for a deputy;
(4) separate electoral lists presented by the political parties included in the alliances of political parties;
(5) the receipt on the payment of the electoral deposit in the amount of 8000-fold of the minimum salary;
(6) a statement certifying that candidates included in the electoral list of a political party have been citizens of the Republic of Armenia for the last five years, not holding the citizenship of another State and have been permanently residing in the Republic of Armenia for the last five years;
(7) carbon copies of personal identification documents of the candidates included in the electoral list of a political party.
The number of persons of each sex shall not exceed 80% of any integer group of five candidates starting from the second number of the electoral list (2-6, 2-11, 2-16, and so on up to the end of the list) of a political party or alliance of political parties and of each party included in an alliance for the National Assembly election under the proportional electoral system. At least 25 candidates shall be included in the electoral list of a political party or alliance of political parties for the proportional-system election of the National Assembly.
Source: Electoral Code of 26 May 2011, art. 108, 114: http://res.elections.am/images/doc/_ecode.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence
Comments: Any person having attained the age of twenty five, having been a citizen of the Republic of Armenia for the preceding five years, having permanently resided in the Republic for the preceding five years, and having the right to vote, may be elected a Deputy.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Armenia (2005), art. 64: http://res.elections.am/images/doc/consist_eng.pdf (2013);
Electoral Code of 26 May 2011, art. 105: http://res.elections.am/images/doc/_ecode.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code of 26 May 2011, art. 78, 105, 106, 114: http://res.elections.am/images/doc/_ecode.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments: Indirect funding:
Candidates for the President of the Republic and political parties, alliances of political parties running in elections shall have the right to avail themselves –– on equal grounds, free of charge as well as for pay –– of air time of the Public Radio and Public Television (including by live transmission).
The State shall ensure the free conduct of election campaign. It shall be ensured by state and local self-government bodies by providing them with halls and other premises for the purpose of arranging election meetings, meetings of electors with candidates, and other election-related events. These shall, in the manner prescribed by the Central Electoral Commission, be provided to candidates, political parties, alliances of political parties running in elections under the proportional electoral system on equal grounds and free of charge.
Direct funding:
The state financing of parties is funded from the means of the state budget of the Republic of Armenia. For financing of parties the means from the state budget of the Republic of Armenia are provided by a segregate budget item. The total volume of party financing means envisaged by the state budget of the Republic of Armenia shall not be less than the product of 0,03-fold of the minimum salary established by the law and the total number of citizens included in voting lists during the last elections to the National Assembly.
Source: Electoral Code of 26 May 2011, art. 18 (2), 19: http://res.elections.am/images/doc/_ecode.pdf (2013);
Law of the Republic of Armenia on Political Parties, adopted on 3 July 2002, art 27 (1): http://www.translation-centre.am/pdf/Translat/HH_orenk/Political_Parties/Political_parties_en.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Based on result of previous election
Comments: State budget means are allocated to such party (party alliances), whose voting list during the last elections to the National Assembly has received at least 3 per cent of the sum of the total number of votes in favor of voting lists of all parties that have participated in the elections and the amount of inaccuracies.
Source: Law of the Republic of Armenia on Political Parties, adopted on 3 July 2002, art 27 (2): http://www.translation-centre.am/pdf/Translat/HH_orenk/Political_Parties/Political_parties_en.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Cash means of the party are formed from:
a) membership fees, if such fees are envisaged by the Charter of the Party;
b) donations;
c) budgetary financing made in conformity with the procedure envisaged by this Law;
d) civil-legal transactions and other entries not prohibited by the legislation.
1. Parties have the right to receive donations in the form of property and cash means from physical persons, public unions and foundations, other legal entities, non-state institutions.
2. It is not allowed to receive donations from:
a) charitable and religious organization, as well as organizations that have founded them;
b) state and local self-governing bodies, except for financing provided by such bodies pursuant to Article 27 of this Law;
c) institutions and organizations of state and local self-governing bodies, as well as organizations founded with the participation of state and local self-governing bodies;
d) state administrative institutions;
e) state non-commercial organizations;
f) legal entities registered in six months prior to the date of making the donation;
g) foreign states, foreign citizens and legal entities, as well as legal entities with foreign participation, if the share of the foreign participant in the statutory (share, stock) capital of the given legal entity is more than 25 per cent;
h) citizens of the Republic of Armenia, who have not attained the age of eighteen;
i) international organizations and international public movements;
j) anonymous persons.
Source: Law of the Republic of Armenia on Political Parties, adopted on 3 July 2002, art 24 & 25: http://www.translation-centre.am/pdf/Translat/HH_orenk/Political_Parties/Political_parties_en.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments: The precinct electoral commission shall start its session of summarizing the voting results in the presence of the persons entitled to be present in the commission session.
Source: Electoral Code of 26 May 2011, art. 67: http://res.elections.am/images/doc/_ecode.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
d . By request
Comments: A candidate or proxy who was present at the process of summarizing the voting results in the electoral precinct, as well as the member of the precinct electoral commission in case of making a record — in the protocol on the voting results in the electoral precinct — on having a special opinion concerning the procedure of summarizing the voting results, shall have the right to appeal, in the manner and within the time limits specified by the Electoral Code of the Republic of Armenia, against the results of voting in the electoral precinct concerned, by submitting an application for recount of the results of voting in the electoral precinct to the constituency electoral commission.
An application for recount of the voting results in the electoral precinct may be submitted only to the relevant constituency electoral commission from 12.00 to 18.00 on the day following the voting.
Source: Electoral Code of 26 May 2011, art. 48: http://res.elections.am/images/doc/_ecode.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: Candidates for the President of the Republic, as well as political parties and political party alliances participating in elections shall have the right to use air time of the Public Radio and Public Television (including by live transmission) on equal grounds, free of charge, and for pay.
Source: Electoral Code of 26 May 2011, art. 19 (1): http://res.elections.am/images/doc/_ecode.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments: During the pre-electoral period for the presidential elections in 2013, no debates were organized between candidates.
During the campaign period for the parliamentary elections of 2012, two private TV channels organized TV debates, but in 7 cases one or more invitees did not attend the scheduled debates. No debates among prominent candidates or party leaders were organized.
Despite efforts of some media outlets, during the presidential election of 2008, no candidate debates took place, ostensibly due to a lack of interest by candidates.
With the start of the official campaign period of the parliamentary elections in 2007, there was a noticeable increase of media attention to campaign events and of visibility of election contestants. Several pre-election debates were organized at national level.
During parliamentary elections held in 2003, public TV and many local private broadcasters organized numerous debates between candidates and offered various formats of discussion and analytical programmes on election issues.
Source: Election Observation Mission Preliminary Statement on the Presidential Election in the Republic of Armenia (OSCE/ODIHR, 2013): http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/99675;
Election Observation Mission Final Report on the Parliamentary Election in the Republic of Armenia (OSCE/ODIHR, 2012): http://www.osce.org/odihr/91643;
Election Observation Mission Final Report on the Presidential Election in the Republic of Armenia (OSCE/ODIHR, 2008): http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/armenia/32115;
Election Observation Mission Final Report on Parliamentary Elections in the Republic of Armenia (OSCE/ODIHR, 2007): http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/armenia/26606;
Election Observation Mission Final Report on Parliamentary Elections in the Republic of Armenia (OSCE/ODIHR, 2003): http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/armenia/42371.
Verified: 2015/12/01
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
a . 1 day
Comments: Radio or television companies performing terrestrial broadcasting shall be prohibited to publish, at any time prior to 20:00 hours of the voting day, findings of any opinion polls of voters as to whom they have voted for.
Source: Electoral Code of 26 May 2011, art. 21 (3): http://res.elections.am/images/doc/_ecode.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: During the election campaign, a candidate for deputy shall have the right to spend an amount not exceeding 10 000-fold of the minimum salary, and a political party, an alliance of political parties–– an amount not exceeding 100000-fold of the minimum salary – for conducting the election campaign, renting halls, premises, preparing (posting) campaign posters, acquiring print and other campaign materials, preparing all types of campaign materials (including print materials) to be provided to electors.
Source: Electoral Code of 26 May 2011, art. 122 (4): http://res.elections.am/images/doc/_ecode.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Law on Referendum of the Republic of Armenia (2001): http://res.elections.am/images/doc/hanraqve_eng.pdf (2013);
Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, art. 2, 111, 112, 113, 114: http://res.elections.am/images/doc/consist_eng.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The Constitution shall be adopted or amended by referendum, which may be initiated by the President of the Republic or the National Assembly. The Constitution shall be adopted or amended by referendum, which may be initiated by the President of the Republic or the National Assembly
Source: Law on Referendum of the Republic of Armenia (2001): http://res.elections.am/images/doc/hanraqve_eng.pdf (2013);
Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, art. 111: http://res.elections.am/images/doc/consist_eng.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Laws may be submitted to a referendum upon the request of the National Assembly or the Government.
Source: Law on Referendum of the Republic of Armenia (2001): http://res.elections.am/images/doc/hanraqve_eng.pdf (2013);
Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, art. 112: http://res.elections.am/images/doc/consist_eng.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Law on Referendum of the Republic of Armenia (2001): http://res.elections.am/images/doc/hanraqve_eng.pdf (2013);
Constitution of the Republic of Armenia: http://res.elections.am/images/doc/consist_eng.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Law on Referendum of the Republic of Armenia (2001): http://res.elections.am/images/doc/hanraqve_eng.pdf (2013);
Constitution of the Republic of Armenia: http://res.elections.am/images/doc/consist_eng.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Law on Referendum of the Republic of Armenia (2001): http://res.elections.am/images/doc/hanraqve_eng.pdf (2013);
Constitution of the Republic of Armenia: http://res.elections.am/images/doc/consist_eng.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments: The draft submitted to a referendum shall be considered to have been passed if it receives more than fifty percent of the votes, but not less than one fourth of the number of registered voters.
Source: Law on Referendum of the Republic of Armenia (2001), art. 35 (2), 36: http://res.elections.am/images/doc/hanraqve_eng.pdf (2013);
Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, art. 113: http://res.elections.am/images/doc/consist_eng.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments: The issues of adopting a Constitution or making amendments to it, adopting laws, as well as questions of exploring the public opinion on the most important issues of state life can be submitted to referendum.
Source: Law on Referendum of the Republic of Armenia (2001), art. 4: http://res.elections.am/images/doc/hanraqve_eng.pdf (2013);
Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, art. 111, 112: http://res.elections.am/images/doc/consist_eng.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The community members may directly take part in the administration of the community affairs by resolving the issues of local significance through local referenda.
The communities may, based on the interests of the public, be merged with each other or separated by the law. The appropriate law shall be adopted by the National Assembly upon the recommendation of the Government. Before submitting the legislative initiative the Government shall appoint local referenda in those communities. The outcomes of the local referenda shall be attached to the legislative initiative. The communities may be merged or separated irrespective of the outcomes of the local referenda.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, art. 30 (2), 107 (4), 110: http://res.elections.am/images/doc/consist_eng.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections d . At specially designated polling stations e . At mobile polling stations
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code of 26 May 2011, art. 14, 15, 54, 61, 64 (1): http://res.elections.am/images/doc/_ecode.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
f . Diplomatic staff g . Other
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code of 26 May 2011, art. 60 (1, 3): http://res.elections.am/images/doc/_ecode.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code of 26 May 2011, art. 60 (1, 2): http://res.elections.am/images/doc/_ecode.pdf (2013);
OSCE/ODIHR Final Report on the Armenian Parliamentary Elections of 6 May 2012, p. 9: http://www.osce.org/odihr/91643 (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots f . Internet
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code of 26 May 2011, art. 66: http://res.elections.am/images/doc/_ecode.pdf (2013);
OSCE/ODIHR Final Report on the Armenian Parliamentary Elections of 6 May 2012, p. 9: http://www.osce.org/odihr/91643 (2013).
Verified: 2015/12/01
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