Armenian constitutional referendum, 2015

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A constitutional referendum will be held in Armenia on 6 December 2015. The proposed amendments to the constitution would transform the country into a parliamentary republic. The referendum has been nicknamed "Sargsyan’s project" by political commentators, as it would allow incumbent president Serzh Sargsyan to remain in power after his second term if the ruling Republican Party wins the new parliamentary elections.

Background

After being drafted by the Specialised Commission on Constitutional Reforms, the proposed amendments to the constitution were sent to the National Assembly on 21 August. On 5 October, the National Assembly voted to put the proposals to a referendum by a margin of 104–10, with three abstensions. The Republican Party, Armenian Revolutionary Federation and Prosperous Armenia voted in favour, whilst the Armenian National Congress and Heritage voted against. The three abstainers were members of the Rule of Law, with two of the party's MPs voting against the proposals.

The Venice Commission chief Gianni Buquicchio stated: "I think that with this latest major change—the new constitution—Armenia is taking a step forward".

Proposed changes

The package of proposed constitutional reforms would abolish direct presidential elections, with the National Assembly electing the President instead. The presidential term would be extended from five to seven years, and the President would no longer be commander-in-chief, as the power would be transferred to the Prime Minister. The number of parliamentary seats will be reduced from 131 to 101.

Positions of political parties and individuals

A billboard in Yerevan's Baghramyan Avenue advocating a yes vote

For

• Republican Party of Armenia (RPA-HHK).
• Prosperous Armenia (PAP-BHK).
• Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF-Dashnaktsutyun). The ARF has long supported Armenia's transition into a parliamentary republic.

Against

• Armenian National Congress (ANC). ANC member economist Vahagn Khachatryan stated: "This [new] Constitution will not solve our problems, but further complicate them. This Constitution will be in the interests of neither the [Armenian] state nor the citizens."
• Heritage. Party leader Raffi Hovannisian stated that the proposed constitutional reform is carried out to establish a political party-state in Armenia.
• Jirair Sefilian stated: "Serzh Sargsyan dreams of becoming Secretary of the Central Committee", referring to the position held by Soviet leaders who usually reigned until death.
• Former foreign minister Vartan Oskanian speculated that the proposed changes come "not because it is necessary, but rather because for someone or for a group of individuals and/or political force, [the presidential system of government] is no longer convenient."

Opinion polls

Date	Poll source	Yes	No
26 September 2014	Apr Group	18%	81%

See also

• 2015 Armenian anti-government protests

External links

• Changes proposed by Constitutional Reform Committee in light of Venice Commission's recommendations
• Draft Constitution (Not including amendments by Venice Commission)
• "Հրապարակվում է Սահմանադրության 1-15-րդ գլուխների նախագծի նախնական տարբերակը (Draft of Chapters 1-15 of the proposed Constitution is published)". MoJ.am. Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia. August 4, 2015. Retrieved October 22, 2015. 

• "Հրապարակվում է Սահմանադրության 1-7 գլուխների նախագծի նախնական տարբերակը (Draft of Chapters 1-7 of the proposed Constitution is published)". MoJ.am. Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia. July 15, 2015. Retrieved October 22, 2015.