Sukias Avetisyan: Campaign ahead of constitutional referendum is unprecedented in Armenia’s history
The campaign for the upcoming constitutional referendum is unprecedented in Armenia’s history, MP of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia’s (RPA) faction Sukias Avetisyan told a press conference today.
‘Yes and No’ joint 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 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 broadcast live on November 13 – December 2 from 11 am to 11 pm.
“The campaign ahead of the referendum on the constitutional reform differs from the previous ones in that for the first time in Armenia’s history, a basis has been presented so that members of ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ Fronts could hold joint meetings with people,” S. Avetisyan stressed.
He added: “As a result of the constitutional reform, citizens will get an opportunity to come up with a concrete proposal regarding a law or a referendum. In other words, these are elements of democracy, which are absent in the Constitution currently in force and that we are trying to obtain”.
As was reported, supporters of the constitutional reform established ‘Yes’ Front made up mostly of members of RPA, while opponents of the constitutional reform in Armenia set up ‘No’ Front that currently includes two camps. The first is ‘New Armenia’ Public Salvation Front established by opposition Heritage Party and opposition civic initiative Founding Parliament. The second camp is ‘No’ movement formed by opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC) and People’s Party of Armenia, which already created a joint office for campaigning ahead of the referendum.