I call on the Government of the Republic of Armenia to be committed to the principles of democracy,  to appoint elections of the Council of Elders in the communities mentioned within the timeframe in the manner prescribed by the law.

Call to the Government of the Republic of Armenia

Because of the state of emergency caused by the epidemic and then the martial law in Armenia, we had to accept a number of challenges to limit democratic principles, including in the field of local democracy.

It is a pity that we didn't show enough flexibility during that time to ensure the continuity and guarantee of local self-government in the entire territory of the Republic of Armenia through relevant legislative changes and policy.

Thus, in a number of communities of the Republic of Armenia there are no elected council of elders, elected mayors, and in some of them there are neither elected council of elders nor the heads of the communities.

On March 24, 2021 a draft decision of the  National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia "On the elimination of  martial law" was adopted, which gives opportunity to return and to restore democratic norms at the community level as well.

However, I have the impression that no steps are planned for the restoration of democratic institutions in the mentioned communities, leaving them on the days of the elections in Autumn appointed by the Central Electoral Commission of the RA.

Meanwhile, Article 72, Clause 2 of the RA Law on Local Self-Government states: "In case of martial law or state of emergency, elections of the Council of Elders are not held, and the term of office of the Council of Elders is extended until the first meeting of the newly elected Council of Elders after the end of martial law or emergency, which is convened on the 10th day after the official announcement". In this case, the election of the Council of Elders shall be held not earlier than fifty, not later than sixty-five days after the end of martial law or the state of emergency".

I call on the Government of the Republic of Armenia to be committed to the principles of democracy, to appoint elections of the Council of Elders in the communities mentioned within the timeframe in the manner prescribed by the law.

Emin YERITSYAN

The President of the Union of Communities of Armenia

March 31, 2021