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The Armenian National Assembly unanimously passed on Friday in the second reading and in full the draft law proposing amendments and supplements to the Criminal Code and the attached legislative package. 

The government-drafted bill envisaging a stricter criminal punishment for some electoral offenses, particularly criminalization of electoral bribes, received a total of 82 votes in favor, with no opposing votes or abstention.

66 MPs of the 101-seat parliament present at Thursday’s session voted in favor of the legislative measure in the first reading, meantime asking for some changes in the draft package.

Ahead of today’s voting, Deputy Justice Minister Artur Hovhanissyan said they had made the proposed changes in the bill in response to the lawmaker’s concerns voiced over some controversial definitions. 

The bill sets criminal liability for any form of electoral bribes, including for provision of food or other services under the pretext of charity.