Tigran Mukuchyan Discusses Referendum Timelines and Ballot Design in Parliament

“Our discussion has been very broad, concerning various legislative acts,” said Tigran Mukuchyan, the Chairman of the Central Electoral Commission (CEC), to reporters in parliament on February 7. “After the referendum is announced, when activities will commence, we as the CEC will fully inform about our functions,” he added.

In response to a journalist's question about whether the wording of the ballot has been determined, the CEC Chairman indicated that it has not yet been decided. “At this moment, we cannot make such assessments. These are legal processes that follow one another. A referendum is announced, and then separate organizational processes will begin, alongside an ongoing campaign, and during that time it becomes clear what issue the referendum will address. Only after that will the ballot design be confirmed and printed,” said Mukuchyan.

Regarding the timeline for the referendum, the CEC Chairman clarified: “I cannot make assessments right now. In this regard, the law establishes a legal provision that defines the beginning and end of the period, which is 55-60 days. The date of the referendum will be set by the President, and that is not the CEC's function.”