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Member of the Chamber of Advocates of Armenia Hayk Alumyan is in favor of a transition to a 100% proportional representation electoral system as proposed by the draft amendments to the Constitution of Armenia. He made that statement at a discussion of the constitution reform in Armenia. The event was organized by Partnership for Open Society initiative.

However, according to Alumyan, certain provisions of Chapter 2 of the draft amendments related to fundamental human rights and freedoms raise concern and prevent him from supporting heartily that document.

He said that during a referendum, anyone may vote against the draft constitutional amendments because of some provision or other, although he may approve of the reform in general.

“For example, I am in favor of a switch to a parliamentary system of government, but I am opposed to clause 58 on property right because it does not envisage judicial order. What shall I do during the vote? If I vote in favor, I will not adhere to my principles, but if I vote against, I will act contrary to my convictions,” Alumyan noted.

There is a way out of this dilemma, the lawyer said. The draft amendments’ new clauses in chapters 4, 5, 6 and 7 regarding the branches of power, as well as in chapters, which are not related to them and concern fundamental human rights and freedoms, should be voted on separately.

“It will allow forming an idea of public opinion about each chapter. Clauses on braches of powers can be technically put to the vote,” the member of Chamber of Advocates said.