Davit Harutyunyan considers EU Ambassador’s statement unacceptable (video)
“Not the Ambassadors, but representatives of the relevant sphere should express a position on the electoral system,” said Minister of Justice Davit Harutyunyan, touching upon the criticism of Piotr Switalski, Head of the EU delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, on rating electoral system. “I haven’t heard that statement, but if he made such a statement, I think it is an attempt to interfere with our inner politics and affairs, but I consider it to be unacceptable irrespective of its intention.” Davit Harutyunyan reminded that the Venice Commission is the highest body among the sphere representatives and it has already given its conclusion, “The system adopted by us is in line with international standards. It is complex, as there was an attempt to develop mechanisms, which, for example, express the representation of the ethnic minorities in the parliament in an appropriate way. Of course, it was possible to simplify the electoral code, but it would have its negative consequences, and we, taking into account our inner politics, discussed and decided to take that path.” To remind, today Head of the EU delegation, Ambassador Piotr Switalski made a sharp speech, "In the whole world including Armenia the ruling party tries to use the Electoral Code for serving its interests. But in the world the EC doesn’t become a separating issue, and I would like the same to be in Armenia. I would advise improving the EC; as the elections showed it needs improvements. Credibility of institutions is important for Armenians. In general, the CEC is especially important for Armenians. I highly assess the Central Electoral Commission, but it should enjoy high public confidence. The matter is perceptions. I think that the CEC personnel should be enlarged, involving representatives from the civil society. I would advise Armenians to think of how to make the CEC reliable. If the CEC wants the society rely on it, it should have a reliably operating body.” Watch details in the video!
