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Armenia Armenia

Disclaimer: This section of Comparative Data is not being updated. Users should be aware that data may be inaccurate. If you find inaccuracies please contact the ACE facilitators.

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
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BD002


Question:The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s): f. Other
Comments: With the 2016 amendments to teh Electoral Code, it is now unclear who determines the electoral districts.
Source: Electoral Law: Electoral Code of Armenia (2011), art. 17:4
Verified: 2017/04/05
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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
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BD004


Question:If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer: g. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2017/04/05
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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
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BD006


Question:What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
Answer(s): l. Other
m. Not applicable
Comments: There is no mention of modification of teh electoral districts
Source: Electoral Law: Electoral Code of Armenia (2016)
Verified: 2017/04/12
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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ES006


Question:What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
Answer(s): k. The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Comments:
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Armenia (2005), art. 62-63
Verified: 2011/08/12
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ES007


Question:If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
Answer: c. Largest Remainder Method (Quota)
Comments: The National lists are apportioned seats based on the Largest Remainder method. However, district lists are apportioned seats based upon the D'Hondt method.
Source: Electoral Code of 25 May 2016, art. 95: http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-REF(2016)042-e
Verified: 2017/04/05
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ES008


Question:What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
Answer(s): a. National level
b. Specially delimited constituencies
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code of 25 May 2016, art. 78: http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-REF(2016)042-e
Verified: 2017/04/05
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ES010


Question:Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer: b. No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2017/04/05
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ES011
If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
Nationality or ethnic groups - proportion of total seats (%) 	
Women	- proportion of total seats (%) 	
Religious groups - proportion of total seats (%) 	
Other- proportion of total seats (%) 	
Not applicable 	X
Source
No Source
Verified
2009/07/09
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ES013
If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 2, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved:
Nationality or ethnic groups - proportion of total seats (%) 	
Women	- proportion of total seats (%) 	
Religious groups - proportion of total seats (%) 	
Other - proportion of total seats (%) 	
Not applicable 	X
Source
No Source
Verified
2009/07/09
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ES014


Question:What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
Answer: b. Specify the percentage:
Comments: 5% for political parties and 7% for political alliances.
Source: Electoral Code of 25 May 2016, art. 95 (4): http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-REF(2016)042-e
Verified: 2017/04/05
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ES016


Question:What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
Answer: a. No minimum
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2017/04/05
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ES018


Question:Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s): a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
Comments: Article 90. Term of Powers of the National Assembly 1. The National Assembly shall be elected for a term of five years.
Source: Electoral Code of 25 May 2016, art. 90: http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-REF(2016)042-e
Verified: 2017/04/05
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ES021


Question:Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer: c. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2017/04/12
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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
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LF002


Question:What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
Answer: a. January 2000 or later
Comments: The Electoral Code of Armenia was adopted in 1999 and has been amended for several times. A new Electoral Code was adopted on 25 May 2016.
Source: Armenian Legal Information System: www.arlis.am (2011) Venice Commision: CDL-REF(2016)042-e Armenia - Electoral Code adopted on 25 May 2016 http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-REF(2016)042-e
Verified: 2011/08/12
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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
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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
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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
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Electoral Management

EM001
Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
Name of Institution: Central Election Commission
Postal Address: 21a Gevorg Kochar Str., Yerevan 0009, Armenia
Tel: +374 10 543 523
E-mail: [email protected] 
Website: www.elections.am (2013)
Source
Official Website of the Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of Armenia: www.elections.am (2013)
Verified
2013/02/27
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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
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EM003


Question:The national electoral management body reports to:
Answer(s): c. The legislature
Comments: The Central Electoral Commission shall submit a report on the expenditures incurred to the Control Chamber of the Republic of Armenia and the Staff of the Central Electoral Commission to the Oversight and Audit Service correspondingly in the manner and within the periods prescribed by the legislation of the Republic of Armenia.
Source: Electoral Law: Electoral Code of Armenia (2011), art. 23:5
Verified: 2011/08/12
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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
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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
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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
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EM007


Question:The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
Answer(s): b. Legislative appointment
Comments: The Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and Secretary of the Central Electoral Commission are elected by the National Assembly.
Source: Electoral Code of 25 May 2016, art. 42: http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-REF(2016)042-e
Verified: 2017/04/06
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EM011
What are the approximate proportions (%) of total election expenditure for the last national elections devoted to the following?
Voter registration and preparation of voter lists 	
Election Management Body administration 	
Staff/Equipment/Supplies 	
Security 	
Official funding of parties and candidates 	
Voter education 	
Materials/systems for and operation of voting stations and ballot counts 	
Challenges, dispute resolution and legal costs 	
Polling operations 	
Vote tabulation 	
Other 	
Source
No Source
Verified
2009/09/02
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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VR003


Question:What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
Answer(s): a. Criminal Incarceration
c. Detention
d. Mental disability
e. Military Service
Comments: Citizens declared by a court judgment as lacking active legal capacity, as well as citizens sentenced –– by a court judgment entered into force –– to imprisonment and serving the punishment in a penitentiary institution, shall not be entitled to vote and to be elected. Military servicemen undergoing compulsory military service or training musters, arrested or detained persons, as well as citizens 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.
Source: Electoral Law: Electoral Code of Armenia (2011), art. 2:3 & 2:4
Verified: 2011/08/25
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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
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VR005


Question:What is the registration method for national elections?
Answer: b. Voters register
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Electoral Code of Armenia (2011), art. 7
Verified: 2011/08/25
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VR006


Question:How frequently is the voters register updated?
Answer: a. Continuously
Comments: The Register of Electors of the Republic of Armenia is a permanently maintained document which is drawn up as per Marzes and communities. The authorised body shall be responsible for maintaining and drawing up as per the requirements of the Electoral Code of the Republic of Armenia the Register of Electors and the list of electors respectively. The authorised body shall, twice a year, in June and November (during the first week), submit the Register of Electors of the Republic of Armenia as per communities, and in case of national elections also as per electoral precincts, at least forty-one days before the voting day, to the Central Electoral Commission in an electronic version, for posting it with a searchable feature on the Internet website of the Central Electoral Commission.
Source: Electoral Law: Electoral Code of Armenia (2011), art. 7:1, 7:2 & 7:4
Verified: 2011/08/25
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VR007


Question:What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
Answer(s): b. Links to police records of residence
Comments: Heads of penitentiary institutions and of facilities for holding arrestees, as well as commanders of military units shall also draw up lists of electors in cases and in the manner prescribed by the Electoral Code of the Republic of Armenia.
Source: Electoral Law: Electoral Code of Armenia (2011), art. 7:3 & 8
Verified: 2011/08/25
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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
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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
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PC002

Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)


Question:What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s): h. Not applicable
Comments: The Parliament of Armenia has only one Chamber.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of Armenia (2005), ch. 4
Verified: 2011/08/25
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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
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PC004

Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 2)


Question:What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s): l. Not applicable
Comments: The National Legislature consists of only one chamber.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of Armenia (2005), ch. 4
Verified: 2011/08/25
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PC005


Question:What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s): a. Age
b. Citizenship
d. Residence
j. Other
Comments: Anyone having attained the age of thirty-five, not having been a citizen of another State, having been a citizen of the Republic of Armenia for the last ten years, permanently residing in the Republic for the last ten years and having the right of suffrage, may be elected as the President of the Republic.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of Armenia(2005), art. 50 Electoral Law: Electoral Code of Armenia (2011), art. 76-80
Verified: 2011/08/25
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PC006


Question:What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
Answer(s): a. Current criminal incarceration
g. Holding of government office
k. Mental health problems
n. Holding of other public offices (police etc.)
Comments: Members of the Constitutional Court, judges, prosecutors, officers of the Police, the National Security, the Judicial Acts Compulsory Enforcement Service, rescue, tax and customs authorities, penitentiary institutions, as well as military servicemen may not be nominated as a candidate for a deputy to the National Assembly. The citizens of the Republic of Armenia holding the citizenship of another State may not be nominated and registered as a candidate for a deputy to the National Assembly.
Source: Electoral Law: Electoral Code of Armenia (2011), art. 2:3, 107, 110:3, 111:2 & 116
Verified: 2011/08/25
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PC007


Question:What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s): a. Current criminal incarceration
e. Offences against electoral law
k. Mental health problems
p. Other
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Electoral Code of Armenia (2011), art. 2:3, 77:2, 82 & 83
Verified: 2011/08/25
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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
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PC010


Question:If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s): e. Not applicable
Comments: The National Legislature consists of only one chamber.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of Armenia (2005), ch. 4
Verified: 2011/08/25
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PC011


Question:If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s): b. Deposit requirement (specify)
Comments: Deposit: in the amount of 8 000-fold of the minimum salary as defined by the legislation of the Republic of Armenia.
Source: Electoral Law: Electoral Code of Armenia (2011), art. 79 & 80
Verified: 2011/08/25
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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
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PC014


Question:If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
Answer(s): a. Free media access
d. Other
Comments: 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 Public Radio and Public Television shall be obliged to ensure non-discriminatory conditions for candidates, political parties, alliances of political parties running in elections under the proportional electoral system. It shall be prohibited to interrupt radio and television programmes on election campaign by advertisements of goods or services. When exercising terrestrial broadcast transmission, radio and television programmes on election campaign shall be audio- and video-taped. These shall be maintained for at least three months. Newspapers and magazines founded by state or local self-government bodies shall be obliged to ensure non-discriminatory and impartial conditions for candidates, political parties, alliances of political parties running in elections under the proportional electoral system during the period of the election campaign. 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.
Source: Electoral Law: Electoral Code of Armenia (2011), art. 18:2 & 19
Verified: 2011/10/03
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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
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PC016


Question:If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
Answer(s): b. Election campaign activities
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Electoral Code of Armenia (2011), art. 19
Verified: 2011/08/25
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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
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PC021


Question:Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
Answer(s): a. National Electoral Management body
Comments: The Central Electoral Commission establishes an Oversight and Audit Service for the purpose of exercising supervision over the use of funds provided to electoral commissions, the staff of the Central Electoral Commission, the contributions made to election funds and the calculation and expenditures thereof. The Oversight and Audit Service also carries out supervision over current financial activities of the parties.
Source: Electoral Law: Electoral Code of Armenia (2011), art. 28
Verified: 2011/08/25
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Vote Counting

VC001


Question:What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s): a. Single ballot (all registered parties listed)
d. Categorical (only one mark allowed)
l. No photos or logos, only party and/or candidate names
m. Organized alphabetically
o. Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station official
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Electoral Code of Armenia (2011), art. 57, 66 & 124
Verified: 2011/08/25
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VC002


Question:What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s): s. Not applicable
Comments: The National Legislature consists of only one chamber.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of Armenia (2005), ch. 4
Verified: 2011/08/25
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VC003


Question:What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
Answer(s): a. Single ballot (all registered parties/candidates listed)
d. Categorical (only possible to make one mark)
l. No photos or logos, only party and/or candidate names
m. Organized alphabetically
o. Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station officials
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Electoral Code of Armenia (2011), art. 57, 66 & 90
Verified: 2011/08/25
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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
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VC005


Question:What procedures are used in the initial count?
Answer(s): a. Separate ballots for different elections
c. Tally of voters who voted
d. Number of ballots in box reconciled against number of voters
f. Each ballot paper held up for public scrutiny, with name of party/candidate called out loud
j. Sorted into piles according to individual party/candidate
q. Copies of results are provided to observers
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Electoral Code of Armenia (2011), art. 67-71
Verified: 2011/08/25
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VC006


Question:Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
Answer(s): d. Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)
Comments: Not later than during 12 hours after the end of voting, the chairperson and the secretary of the precinct electoral commission shall submit the sack, the package of ballot envelopes of non-established sample, the package of unused ballot envelopes, the two carbon copies of the protocol on voting results, the register, as well as the seal and the stamp seal of the commission, to the appropriate constituency electoral commission, as prescribed by the Central Electoral Commission.
Source: Electoral Law: Electoral Code of Armenia (2011), art. 71:9
Verified: 2011/08/25
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VC007


Question:At what levels are seats allocated?
Answer(s): c. Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)
d. National level
Comments: Majoritarian at the constituency level and proportional seats at national level.
Source: Electoral Law: Electoral Code of Armenia (2011), art. 125 & 126
Verified: 2011/08/25
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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
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VC012


Question:If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
Answer: e. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/11/04
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VC015


Question:Are preliminary results announced?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/11/04
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VC017


Question:Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/11/04
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VC018


Question:How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
Answer: a. hours:
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/11/04
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Media and Elections

ME005


Question:Which of the following do you believe best describes the print media situation at the national level in your country?
Answer: c. Competition exists between government newspaper and at least one private newspaper
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/24
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ME006


Question:What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private radio stations?
Answer: a. Over 60%
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/24
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ME008


Question:What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private television stations?
Answer: a. Over 60%
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/24
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ME014


Question:What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the public television stations?
Answer: a. Over 60%
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/24
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ME015


Question:What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the national level programming of the public radio stations?
Answer: a. Over 60 %
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/24
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ME020


Question:Who grants licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Answer: b. Independent regulator
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/24
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ME023


Question:Are any journalists currently imprisoned or facing criminal charges for exercising their profession?
Answer: b. No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/24
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ME027


Question:Does the EMB monitor media coverage of elections?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/24
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ME029


Question:Do political parties or candidates have a right to have their replies to inaccurate or misleading media coverage published promptly and free of charge?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/24
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ME031


Question:Have the media or journalists' organisations adopted a code of ethics specific to elections? Please send us a copy.
Answer: b. No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/24
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ME033


Question:Which body, if any, is responsible for regulating free or paid access of political parties or candidates to the media during election campaigns.
Answer: a. EMB
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/24
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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
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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
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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
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ME065


Question:When are the media, by law, allowed to report preliminary election results?
Answer: b. After all polls close, before official results are available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/24
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ME066


Question:Are the media allowed to project/predict winners before the final results are available?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/24
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ME068


Question:Have staff responsible for media relations received training for this work?
Answer: b. No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/29
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ME070


Question:Has the EMB provided or facilitated training for journalists in how the electoral process works?
Answer: b. No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/29
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ME079


Question:Overall, how effective do you judge the EMB's ability to communicate through the media during election campaigns to be?
Answer: c. Not very effective
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/24
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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DD102


Question:What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a referendum?
Answer: d. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
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DD104


Question:What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?
Answer: d. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD115


Question:What is the period during which these controls apply for a referendum?
Answer: a. Fixed time period (specify)
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD116


Question:What is the period during which these controls apply for an initiative?
Answer: c. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD117


Question:What is the period during which these controls apply for a recall?
Answer: c. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD127


Question:What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign for a recall?
Answer: e. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD016


Question:Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD017


Question:Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer: d. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD018


Question:Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer: d. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD019


Question:Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer: d. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD020


Question:Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer: d. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD021


Question:Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer: d. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD022


Question:Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer: d. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD023


Question:Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer: d. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD024


Question:Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer: d. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD025


Question:Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer: d. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD026


Question:Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer: d. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD043


Question:When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
Answer: b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD044


Question:When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
Answer: a. Always
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD053


Question:Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
Answer: f. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD061


Question:What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
Answer: e. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD064


Question:Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
Answer: d. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD068


Question:If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
Answer: d. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD069


Question:When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
Answer: c. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD071


Question:Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
Answer: c. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD076


Question:What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional) has been published?
Answer: c. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD077


Question:What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a rejective referendum (optional) has been published?
Answer: c. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD078


Question:What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a citizens' initiative has been published?
Answer: c. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD079


Question:What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an agenda initiative has been published?
Answer: c. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD085


Question:What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for recall has been published?
Answer: c. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/30
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
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
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
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
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
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
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)

Voting Operations

VO002


Question:Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2003/06/11
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
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
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
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
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
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
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VO006


Question:Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
Answer: a. No
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Electoral Code of Armenia (2011), art. 54
Verified: 2011/08/25
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VO007


Question:If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
Answer(s): f. Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Electoral Code of Armenia (2011), art. 54
Verified: 2011/08/25
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VO008


Question:If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
Answer(s): g. Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Electoral Code of Armenia (2011), art. 54
Verified: 2011/08/25
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VO009


Question:Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Electoral Code of Armenia (2011), art. 14:3
Verified: 2011/08/25
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VO010
Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Yes, the maximum capacity is: 	2.000
No 	
Source
Electoral Code, article 15 (paragraph 6).
Verified
2009/08/13
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
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
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VO012
How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
The smallest polling station: 	7
The largest polling station: 	13
Average per polling station: 	
Source
Mr. Artak Sahradyan - Head of Central Electoral Commission cec(a)netsys.am / cec(a)arminco.com /
Verified
2009/08/13
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)