The ruling “My Step” faction and the opposition “Prosperous Armenia” and “Bright Armenia” factions have already begun discussions on amendments to the Electoral Code and the “Law on Parties.” It is proposed to increase the transparency and accountability of parties’ financial resources.
The “Bright Armenia” faction considers it necessary to increase state funding provided to parties.
“For years, the model we have had is of parties formed around oligarchs, which survive not thanks to donations from society, but on the contrary, have become employers for members of society, that is, the citizen is accustomed to receiving money from parties. This model cannot be democratic in any way, and that party cannot serve the citizen to whom it gives money,” said Kevork Gorgisyan, a deputy of the “Bright Armenia” faction.
According to Hamazasp Danielyan, coordinator of the working group on legislative changes and a deputy of the “My Step” faction, they plan to clarify the method of funding provided to parties, since in the past only parliamentary parties benefited from state funding. “Over the last 10 years, about 900 million drams have been allocated to parties. The lion’s share of that, depending on how we measure it, about 70-80 percent, went to the ruling parties,” he said.
The deputy said that along with increased funding, parties should also become more transparent and accountable. “I can confidently assert that today’s regulations do not provide that opportunity and give parties a wide field to present their finances in the light that is more expedient for them,” said Hamazasp Danielyan.
Kevork Gorgisyan added: “We must strengthen the parties, we must create an opportunity so that parties can serve only the people, not be dependent on individuals.”
The proportional electoral system, introduced during the years of the previous authorities and criticised by the current authorities, is also planned to be changed.
In the near future, the amendments to the Electoral Code and the “Law on Parties” will take the form of a draft law. Hamazasp Danielyan said they plan to complete it by the parliamentary hearings expected on the same topic on October 18.
