Constitutional reforms to pave way to steady political system – ARF-D politician

The upcoming constitutional referendum is going to have a positive outcome in terms of helping Armenia build a steady political system, says Aghvan Vardanyan, the secretary of the ARF-D (Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaksutyun) faction in parliament.

Speaking to Tert.am, the politician said doesn’t think that the pro and con opinions on the proposed draft should account for a specific attitude to the political majority and the opposition. “What I expect from sensible people is to differentiate the actual text of the Constitution from the government-opposition relations. The [new] Constitution is intended for the decades to come, so the government will have changed by then and the authorities will be behaving otherwise. Hence, it isn’t good all to link the changes to non-confidence in the government,” he said.

Asked about his personal views, the ARF-D lawmaker said he expects the December 6 voting to be promising for the country's political life.

“I think this gives our political system much broader chances in terms of becoming accomplished. The new Constitution enables the opposition and the government to function as a joint body - irrespective of the role-players. The new system does not allow the government to make single-handed decisions, so they will have to shape a new political culture by way of seeking negotiations,consultations and a compromise. It will contribute to the accomplishment of political life. So we have to overcome the atmosphere of hostile confrontation and avoid saying that this side is 100% right, and the other is wrong; that [approach] should not give us any reason for positive expectations. It isn’t a civilized approach,” Vardanyan explained.