Opposition has no other choice
Yerevan's City Hall is to decide where a political force can hold a mass meeting at the pre-election period. The City Hall is empowered to ban the meeting if the venue is not agreed upon.
"All issues related to mass meetings are regulated under the RoA Law on conducting meetings, marches, demonstrations and rallies". The Electoral Code imposes no restrictions in this context," the co-author of the Electoral Code, legal expert Hrair Tovmasian said to A1+.
General rules are applied during the pre-election period as well. "Parties enjoy some privileges at the pre-election period as they can use state halls. They are free to apply to the Central Election Commission (CEC), and the latter will allot them the halls within three days. The CEC is not empowered to decide where a meeting will be held. It is upon the City Hall to decide the venue of meetings," added Mr. Tovmasian.
A1+ reminded Mr. Tovmasian that Yerevan's Mayor is Republican candidate Gagik Beglaryana and wondered whether he will not try to hinder the meetings of the Armenian National Congress (HAK). "The Chairman of the Administrative Court, Tigran Mukuchyan, is not a Republican. Nor are the judges of the Administrative Court. Parties must appeal to the court if they think it necessary. This is the only way to restore justice," noted the legal expert.
Let's remind that the City Hall has suggested holding HAK's meetings of May 13, 14, 16, 17 and 18 in Dinamo Sports Complex.
