The punishment for bribery will be intensified, and those convicted will be prohibited from holding public office. The legislative package has been discussed in the first reading.

 

According to the main reporter Vahagn Aleksanyan, the legislative package proposes to tighten the penalties for giving, receiving, and mediating electoral bribes, as well as to establish strict professional prohibitions for individuals who commit such crimes.

 

The reporter stated that electoral bribery continues to be one of the main threats to the democratic system, as it undermines citizens' free expression and reduces public confidence in electoral processes.

 

The draft stipulates significantly tightening the penalties for the acts provided for in Articles 218 and 221 of the Criminal Code, ensuring additional mechanisms for the prevention of crimes. At the same time, according to the draft, individuals convicted of electoral bribery will be deprived of the right to hold state and municipal service, administrative, or discretionary positions. The restriction will apply regardless of whether the conviction has been erased or annulled.

 

It was noted that individuals holding state and municipal positions perform public authority functions, and therefore, high standards of morality, integrity, and public trust should be applied to them. It was emphasized that the restrictions aim to protect the reputation of public service and ensure public confidence in the governance system. The changes are intended to put an end to the corrupt mechanisms that have hindered the conduct of fair and transparent elections in Armenia for years.

 

Co-reporter, member of the Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs Alkhaz Ghazaryan, emphasizing the importance of adopting the legislative package, urged the stakeholders to give a positive conclusion to the initiative.

 

The positive stance and proposals of the Government regarding the legislative package were presented by the Deputy Minister of Justice of the Republic of Armenia Gevorg Kocharyan.

 

The legislative package revised with the Government's proposals received a positive conclusion.