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On March 23 the RA National Assembly Speaker Samvel Nikoyan took part in the conference “Toward Free and Transparent Elections.” In his speech Mr Nikoyan presented the proposal of creating an Advisory Working Body Implementing Public Monitoring Functions Toward Use of the Electoral Code. In his speech the NA Speaker noted:

“The holding of such conference with these participants and such theme on the threshold of the upcoming elections is not only welcoming, but it also records the realization of the importance of those elections and the attention by the Armenian authorities and participants of public-political life, as well as international structures and organizations.

During the parliamentary hearings held on n February 15 of this year, highlighting the circumstance that free and fair elections are everybody’s wish and goal, evaluating the big importance of the upcoming elections, I proposed to create an Advisory Working Body (structure) within the framework of the authorities of the Speaker of the National Assembly with the participation of parliamentary and extra-parliamentary political forces, having an intention of participating in the upcoming electoral processes, public and other organizations having the right of observation mission, which will implement public monitoring functions towards the use of the Electoral Code.

Irrespective of sounded responses to be expected in connection with this initiative, I am sure that this body, without intervening in any functions of state or local self-government body, will have a positive impact on pre-electoral and electoral processes.

The goal of creating of the structure is to form a functioning mechanism for raising possible and probable problems of the electoral processes in order to solve them within the its authorities. It should have more preventive importance.

The new Electoral Code has been passed in the National Assembly of this convocation, and the upcoming parliamentary elections will be the first serious experience for the use of the Code, thus, underscoring the importance on not only the adoption of the new Electoral Code, but the effective use, the NA should also be interested in preserving the very spirit of the law in practice.

Taking into account that people of different political views and positions will be included in the structure to be created, it will have opportunity to be presented as a body implementing united public control, i.e. about what the representatives of political forces voice out loud from different tribunes. I repeat that the proposal is about the equal involvement irrespective of the number of the party members in the parliament, its role played in other spheres.

Taking into account that the structure to be created should not only have function of registering violations and be pleased with it or with the statements on them I propose practical steps. In particular, this body should monitor the use of the Electoral Code and respond in operative way within its authorities to the information on alarming violations being addressed to him.

Particularly, the structure should implement the following functions:

- Discuss the actions or decisions of the electoral process participants based on the appropriate applications or on own initiative to be convinced if they correspond with the Electoral Code and functioning laws.

-Monitor the mechanisms of responsibility and response of different structures in case of electoral violations being reported.

- Without assuming the role of the law enforcement body the structure can be alarming-information representing for state and local self-government bodies.

In the electoral process problems of seeming little from the first glance, of merely technical nature can be met. But aren’t these problems, which can be a reason of untimely negative response by any group or structure or electoral process participant.

Certainly, much more serious problems are possible to come across, but I think that the important thing is to solve those problems, and not spread statements about them, because the solution of the problems caused will promote holding fair elections, and the statement on it will resemble running after an event, and it is at least making it an occasion for political speculation.

Without agreeing with the view that this is a new format of dialogue, as some political figures hurry to conclude, I find expedient to note that this initiative is a proposal stemming from real concern on holding fair and free elections without political context.

Is there any political interest in this proposal? Precisely, first of all there is civil interest that I have, the RA citizen, being concerned by the destiny of our country and having sincere will of taking part in free and fair elections in our country and supporting them in any way.

Regarding the political interst, as a figure in high political office I am obliged, and I am concerned about holding free and fair elections in our country, and both inner and external responses be positive about it. Therefore, my proposal of creating an Advisory Public Body of Monitoring adjunct to the Speaker of the National Assembly should be observed within that very format.

At the same time I represent the Republican Party of Armenia as a political force, which assuming responsibility of political, economic, social development before the people, is the first being concerned about holding elections free and trasnparent, the results to be real and credible. That is the predetermined demand of the RPA Chairman and the President of the country. And as a representativce of that political force I have interest that as a result of upcoming parliamentary elections the prestige of my country won't be shadowed in any way, the results of the elections won't be under doubt. I think this is a natural and adequate wish, which the really sincere political forces should have in their word and work.

I have talked about this proposal with concerned international organizations, which also welcomed my this initiative and expressed readiness to cooperate and assist.

I have consulted and organized discussions with parliamentary political forces, factions, which have positive approach to this issue.

After registering in the Centarl Electoral Commission I will send proposals in written form to all proposed and registered parties, the NGOs, which have right to carry out Observation Mission in the elections and concerned international organizations. And the initiative will enter into practical use.

I have thought long about this initiative, I have consulted with many colleagues, in the state administration system, and political field, as well as with the representatives of international organizations. Everybody thinks that it's better to burn a candle than all the time complain about drakness. I am resolute, and I'll take practical steps in this direction. I expect active participation and assistance of all participants of electoral processes."

The Speaker of the National Assembly also answered to all the questions of the conference participants.

The International Center for Human Development has organized the conference on the initiative of the RA General Prosecutor's Office and with the assistance of the U.S. Embassy to RA.