Zakharova: Moscow notes "wild haste" in Armenia`s Electoral Code  amendments

ArmInfo.Issues of Russian-Armenian bilateral relations were discussed in detail by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Moscow during the latter's working visit to Russia.  "In  the context of the upcoming elections in Armenia, the Russian side's principled stance was emphasized: we do not interfere in the domestic political affairs of other countries; this is a principled stance," she noted.

Zakharova also recalled the special relationship between Russia and  Armenia, which has developed over centuries, given the diverse ties  and history that unite the two countries. She added that the Armenian  diaspora in Russia is 2 million. "There are many political forces in  Armenia that are committed to constructive engagement with our  country, not because it's a business project for them, but because  it's part of the historical nature of those very ties that can't be  severed overnight. Therefore, we couldn't help but pay attention to  the processes unfolding in the country and hope that pro-Russian  forces will be able to freely participate in the expression of the  will of Armenian citizens," Zakharova said, adding that this isn't  about meddling in Armenia's internal processes, but rather about  ensuring that everyone has the right to participate in the elections.

She also added that Moscow has  noted the amendments to Armenia's  Electoral Code, which, according to her, were adopted in a kind of  "wild haste." "We are still studying this issue, but as far as we  understand, these changes could create serious issues in terms of the  naming of political forces participating in the elections. It's  important that this isn't done to deliberately limit the opposition's  electoral opportunities," she said.

Recall, on March 31, it was announced that the "Strong Armenia" party  would participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections as part of  the "Strong Armenia with Samvel Karapetyan" bloc. Following this, the  ruling "Civil Contract" party hastily initiated amendments to the  Electoral Code, which were fully adopted on April 7 at an  extraordinary parliamentary session. These amendments, among other  things, prohibit the use of personal names, as well as the names of  state bodies, local government bodies, and similar designations for  parties and blocs. The government's initiative drew criticism from  the parliamentary opposition. They pointed out that there is  international practice, including the Venice Commission's  recommendation to Armenia, according to which the rules of the game  are not changed at least one year before the elections.