Lyudmila Sargsyan to Tigran Mukuchyan: What can be done to decrease your dependence on the ruling power? (video)
The National Assembly is to decide on Tuesday who the next chairman of Central Electoral Commission (CEC) will be. The NA Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs has presented the acting CEC Chairman [Tigran Mukuchyan] as a candidate for the post. After his speech in parliament, Tigran Mukuchyan answered lawmakers’ questions. Lyudmila Sargsyan, a lawmaker of the Armenian National Congress (HAK) faction, stressed that public distrust in electoral processes has grown during Mukuchyan’s term of office. “I do not blame you but the institute you head does not instill confidence as tabulation of election results takes place at the CEC and the results change if the authorities are not satisfied with the outcome of elections at polling stations. I want to know whether you fulfill all your obligations and what mechanisms does the new Constitution suggest that allow you to be more unbending in your actions because I believe that we would have a different picture otherwise. What can be done to decrease your dependence on the ruling power?" In response, Mr. Mukuchyan said ‘there could be no talk of pressure.’ “I must say that there is complete transparency to ensure confidence. Confidence has also increased as a result of publicity.” Lyudmila Sargsyan noted that it is the lack of hope and disappointment in electoral processes that forces people to leave their homeland.
