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The constitutional referendum in Armenia is a historically important moment as drastic changes have taken place in all the countries that switched to a parliamentary system of government, Chief of the Armenian parliament’s staff, ex-Justice Minister of Armenia Hrayr Tovmasyan said today while campaigning ahead of the December 6 referendum on the constitutional reform. The campaign was conducted in the city of Yeghegnadzor in Vayots Dzor province as part of ‘Yes and No’ reality show.

“All systems of government have potential to ensure development, but as is well known, the parliamentary system of government proposed by the draft amendments to the Constitution of Armenia is able to promote democratization and economic development more efficiently,” Tovmasyan said.

He said that “the Constitution currently in force enshrines unrealistic rights that have never been exercised, and this has naturally caused complaints. The proposed draft constitutional amendments will help rule out such shortcomings”.

“When president and the National Assembly are elected in national elections, a problem of which one of them will decide the future may always arise,” Tovmasyan stressed.

“Any power – and the matter is about executive power – should be responsible to the parliament and the people. The current system of government gives no opportunity to the Armenian government to bear responsibility”.

‘Yes and No’ television project of Armnews and A1+ Companies was launched on November 13. The reality show is broadcast by Armnews TV Channel 12 hours a day and can also be viewed at the website of A1+. 16 political and public figures will travel to Armenian regions during the reality show. Two groups were formed, each consisting of 4 participants supporting and 4 opposing the constitutional reform. One team will be visiting northern regions of Armenia, the other will go to southern provinces. Their meetings with local residents are being broadcast live on November 13 – December 2 from 11 am to 11 pm.