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“We will have effective democracy in Armenia only when there are several parties in the RA which can assume the state power one after another. Naturally democracy exists in case there is competition between the parties,” Head of Armenian National Congress faction Levon Zurabyan noted during the discussion of the draft law on “Parties” in the extraordinary session convened by the MPs.

In his words the ruling quality is crucial in Armenia which greatly depends on the availability of competent parties.

“The draft law on “Parties” is very liberal, normal law, but it does not tackle the most important issue. It refers to the system of state financing of the parties, which can actually develop the party system in Armenia. In developed countries parties are provided with state financing. Taking into account today’s situation in Armenia at least one billion AMD is to be allocated to the parties annually. The settlement of this issue will create a basis for the development of independent system of parties in Armenia,” L. Zurabyan noted.

Head of RPA Faction Vahram Baghdasaryan said that the draft law prescribes political competition, but the parties must demonstrate political will to make some changes in the political sphere.

Main speaker, Minister of Justice Arpine Hovhannisyan noted that all the assessments made during the parliamentary debates of the draft law were political. Meanwhile she stated the following: “Through your speeches you showed how important this law is regarding different spheres of the public life. I expect your positive attitude towards this law, as there has been no negative definitions in connection with it. I think the law deserves to receive a red light on your part.”

The draft law on “Parties” was adopted at first reading. 99 MPs voted in favor of it, 1 was against and 3 obtained.

The draft law on “Human Right Defender” and the package of related draft laws was also put up to voting and adopted at first reading.