RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY*
Non official translation
In the process of translation
General Provisions
Chapter 1. The Deputy of the National Assembly
Chapter 2. Factions and Deputy Groups
Chapter 3. The Chairperson of the National Assembly, the Vice Chairpersons
Chapter 4. Committees of the National Assembly
Chapter 5. Sessions and Sittings of the National Assembly
Chapter 6. Procedure for Presenting Motions for Debate in the National Assembly
Chapter 7. Procedure for Debate during the Sitting of the National Assembly
Chapter 8. Procedure for the Debate of a Draft Law
Chapter 9. Procedure for the Debate of the Drafts of the Constitution or Amendments Thereof or of a Law to be Adopted by a Referendum
Chapter 10. Debate and Adoption of the State budget
Chapter 11. Debate and Adoption of the Annual State Budget Execution Report
Chapter 12. Procedures for the Debate of Issues in the Competence of the President of the Republic
Chapter 13. Procedures for the Debate of Issues in the Competence of the National Assembly
Chapter 14. Procedures for the Debate of Issues Related to the Government
Chapter 15. Organization of the Work of the National Assembly
Chapter 16. Final Provisions
Supplement 1 “Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly” Law of the Republic of Armenia
Supplement 2 “Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly” Law of the Republic of Armenia
Article 1. The National Assembly and its Powers
1. The legislative power in the Republic of Armenia is exercised by the National Assembly.
2. The National Assembly is comprised of one hundred and thirty one deputies.
3. Within the scope of powers defined by the Constitution, the National Assembly adopts laws, resolutions, addresses and statements. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
Article 2. The Activities of the National Assembly
1. The National Assembly acts in accordance with the Constitution and this Rules of Procedure through sessions, sittings, as well as the work of its institutions, factions and deputy groups. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
2. The National Assembly acts on the basis of the principles of political pluralism, free debate of issues and finding collective solutions to them.
3. The institutions of the National Assembly are the Chairperson of the National Assembly, the Vice Chairpersons of the National Assembly, the Deputies and the Committees.
4. The National Assembly forms factions, and may establish deputy groups.
Article 3. The Working Language of the National Assembly
The working language of the National Assembly is Armenian. If anyone invited to the sitting, delivers a speech in a foreign language, then the Armenian translation thereof is provided.
Article 4. The Place of Holding Sittings of the National Assembly
The sittings of the National Assembly are convened in the city of Yerevan, in the building of the National Assembly at Baghramyan 19. A sitting of the National Assembly may be convened in another place only by the resolution of the National Assembly or, if this is impossible, by the decree of the President of the Republic.
Article 5. The Rights of the Deputy
1. In the manner prescribed by law, the Deputy has a right to:
a) submit draft laws, resolutions, addresses, statements of the National Assembly to the National Assembly for debate; (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
b) deliver speeches, pose questions and make proposals at the sittings of the National Assembly and its committees (sub-committees, working groups);
c) participate, pose questions and deliver speeches at parliamentary hearings;
d) be nominated for and elected to the offices of the Chairperson or Vice Chairperson of the National Assembly, Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson of a Committee of the National Assembly;
e) sit in ad hoc committees, as well as sub-committees and working groups of the National Assembly; (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009; by the LA- 111 dated 19.03.2012)
f) be included in a faction or deputy group; (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
f. 1) be included in the delegations of the National Assembly within international parliamentary organizations, inter-parliamentary committees, as well as in other official delegations; (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
f. 2) be included on the basis of his/her application, in a parliamentary friendship group. (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
g) familiarize oneself with any document addressed to the National Assembly and (or) its committees, except for private or personal materials, as well as information containing state or official secrets whereof the Deputy is not entitled to be aware; (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
h) address inquiries and proposals to the institutions of public administration and local self-government, public officials, institutions and organizations, and to participate in debates on issues raised by him/her;
i) be present at the public sittings of the Government of the Republic of Armenia; (hereinafter: the Government)
j) participate in the sittings of the Council of the Control Chamber of the Republic of Armenia; (hereinafter: the Control Chamber) (Amended by the LA-12 dated 25.12.2006)
ja) meet with citizens and organize citizen receptions;
jb) make use, on a paid basis, of electronic and telecommunication means at the disposal of public administration and local self-government bodies to communicate in the territory of the state.
2. The Deputy may have other rights prescribed by law.
Article 6. The Obligations of the Deputy
1. In the manner prescribed by law, the Deputy is obligated to:
a) participate in the sittings of the National Assembly, as well as the committees, sub-committees and working groups of which s/he is a member;
a.1) sit in a standing committee, except for cases prescribed by Paragraph 7 of Article 25 of this law;
a.2) participate in the parliamentary hearings held by the committees of the National Assembly of which s/he is a member;
a.3) observe the rules of ethics for the deputy (Amended and Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012);
b) observe the safety rules operating on the premises and in the building of the National Assembly;
c) examine the proposals received from citizens and respond to their applications;
d) in cases foreseen by Paragraph 3 of Article 6.2 of this Law, make a statement on the conflict of interests . (Amended by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012)
1.1. The Deputy receives no salary for the days of absences without a good reason from the sittings of the National Assembly indicated in Paragraph 1, Sub-Paragraph ‘a’ of this Article, as well as the parliamentary hearings indicated in Sub-Paragraph ‘a.2’ of Paragraph 1 of this Article.
The absences of Deputies are calculated by the staff of the National Assembly (hereinafter: the staff,) and the President of the National Assembly, and by the presence of corresponding justifications the calculated absences may be considered valid.
(Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007, Amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009; by the LA- 111 dated 19.03.2012, Supplemented by the LA-174 dated 13.09.2012)
1.2. If the Deputy is included in the composition of more than one Standing Committees, and in case during a sitting or organized parliamentary hearings of one of those committees, he is participating in a sitting or organized parliamentary hearings of another committee, it is considered that the Deputy has exercised his/her responsibilities, as mentioned in sub point “a” of the present Article 1 on participating in committee sittings, and sub point “a.2” on participating in parliamentary hearings. (Supplemented by the LA-174 dated 13.09.2012)
2. The Deputy may have other obligations foreseen by the law.
3. The status of the Deputy is defined by the Constitution and laws. (Amended by the LA -111 dated 26.02.2007)
Article 6.1. The Rules of Ethics for the Deputy
1. The requirements of this Article relate to both the exercise by the Deputy of his/her powers, as well as his/her daily conduct.
2. The rules of ethics for the Deputy are:
a) respect and observe the law;
b) respect the moral norms of the society;
c) observe the procedure for the conduct of the sittings of the National Assembly and its committees;
d) in the exercise of his/her powers, not be guided by his/her interests or those of the persons related to him/her;
e) not use the reputation of the Deputy’s office in his/her interest or that of another person;
f) contribute by his/her actions to developing trust in and respect for the National Assembly;
g) to manifest conduct befitting the Deputy anywhere and in any activity;
h) to manifest a respectful attitude towards his/her political opponents, participants of debates in the National Assembly, as well as all the persons with who the Deputy has contacts when exercising his/her powers (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012)
Article 6.2. The Conflict of Interest of the Deputy
1. Being guided by his/her interests or those of another person related to him/her means for the Deputy initiating legislation or submitting a draft resolution to the National Assembly for debate, submitting recommendations on an issue circulated in the National Assembly, as well as speaking or voting at the sittings of the National Assembly, its committees or sub-committees, which despite being lawful, leads or contributes or may lead or contribute, to the knowledge of the Deputy, to:
a) the improvement of his/her proprietal or legal situation or that of any person related to him/her;
b) the improvement of the proprietal or legal situation of the non-commercial organization of which s/he or any person related to him/her is a member;
c) the improvement of the proprietal or legal situation of the commercial organization of which s/he or any person related to him/her is a participant;
d) appointment of any person related to him/her to an office.
2. Within the meaning of this Law, the persons related to the Deputy are the persons related to a high-level public official in accordance with Sub-Paragraph 16, Paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Law of the Republic of Armenia on Public Service.
3. In case of a conflict of interest arising at the sittings of the National Assembly, its committees or sub-committees, the Deputy must make a statement on the confict of interest prior to speaking or voting in the relevant sitting, and when making a legislative initiative, submitting a draft resolution to the National Assembly for deliberation or submitting recommendations on an issus circulated in the National Assembly, s/he must submit his/her written statement along with the relevant documents stating the nature of interests.
The Deputy makes a statement on conflict of interest at the sitting of the National Assembly in the manner prescribed by Sub-Paragraph ‘f’, Paragraph 2 of Article 56 of this Law. In this case, the Deputy may also state that s/he refuses to take part in the voting on the issue, in which case his/her absence is regarded for a good reason under Sub-Paragraph ‘d’ of Paragraph 3 of Article 99 of this Law.
4. When interpreting the provision of Paragraph 1 of this Article, it is deemed that the Deputy is not guided by his/her interests or those of the person related to him/her if s/he acts on behalf of the committee, faction or deputy group of the National Assembly or that action:
a) relates to the activities of the bodies of state and local self-government, state and community non-commercial organizations, institutions or their officials;
b) is of universal application and has implications for wide layers of the society to the extent that it cannot be interpreted as being guided by the private interests of the Deputy or anyone related to him/her;
c) is related to the remuneration of the Deputy, reimbursement for expenses related to his/her activities as a Deputy or privileges, as prescribed by Law.
(Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012).
Article 7. The Safeguards of the Activities of the Deputy
1. The heads and public officials of the bodies of public administration and local self-government, institutions, and organizations must:
a) upon the Deputy’s initiative meet with the latter within the shortest possible period, unless otherwise prescribed by law; (Amended by the LA -111 dated 26.02.2007)
b) examine and provide a written answer to the Deputy's written inquiry, prepared by the support of the budget office, within a period of 10 days, except for the cases prescribed by
this Law;(Supplemented by the LA -17 dated 25.03.2015)
c) send a written notification to the Deputy about the debate on the issue raised by the latter no later than three days prior to the debate. (Amended and supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
2. The Deputy may be present at the sittings of the state and local self-government bodies in the manner prescribed by the legislation.
3. The Government gives a prior notice to the National Assembly about the date, hour and the agenda of the public sitting of the Government, and submits the documents related to the agenda. Deputies are allocated seats in the session hall of the Government. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
4. The Chairperson of the Control Chamber gives at least a three-day notice to the Chairperson of the National Assembly, the Vice Chairpersons, the standing committees, factions and deputy groups about the date, hour and the agenda of the sitting of the council of the Control Chamber, and submits the documents related to the agenda. Deputies are allocated seats in the session hall of the council of the Control Chamber. (Supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
5. The local self-government bodies must upon the demand of factions, deputy groups or Deputies at least one day a month provide the applicant with a furnished room or hall for citizen reception and a meeting with them. (Amended by the LA -111 dated 26.02.2007)
6. The Deputy may have other safeguards of activities foreseen by the Constitution and the law. (Supplemented by the LA -111 dated 26.02.2007)
7. The safeguards of activities of the Deputy may be limited in cases prescribed by the Constitution in the manner prescribed by law.
Article 8. The Activities of the Deputy
1. The Deputy’s workplace is the building of the National Assembly, where s/he is provided with a work-station furnished and equipped with technical (including a computer) and communication (including the Internet) means, as well as a seat in the session hall of the National Assembly equipped with a microphone and equipment for individual electronic voting. (Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
2. The main working time of the Deputy includes the period of sittings of the National Assembly, its committees, sub-committees, working groups, and public hearings, as well as any other time necessary for the exercise of his/her powers. The Deputy does not have fixed working hours.
3. The remuneration of the Chairperson of the National Assembly, the Vice Chairpersons, the chairpersons of standing committees and the Deputy is defined by law.
4. The costs incurred during business trips are reimbursed to the Deputy by the National Assembly in the manner prescribed by legislation.
5. The Deputies all at once are entitled to an annual leave for the duration of 36 working days: 12 days in winter and 24 days in summer.
6. The schedule for the leave of the Chairperson of the National Assembly, the Vice Chairpersons and the chairpersons of standing committees is defined by the Chairperson of the National Assembly.
7. (Paragraph 7 became ineffective by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012).
8. The period of exercise by the Deputy of his/her powers is counted towards his/her work history. Uninterrupted work history is maintained if within six months after the expiry of his/her powers s/he is admitted to work.
9. (Paragraph 7 became ineffective by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012).
Article 9. The Immunity of the Deputy
1. When exercising his/her powers and afterwards the Deputy may not be prosecuted or held liable for any action arising from his/her status of a Deputy, including any opinion expressed in the National Assembly, unless it is defamatory or insulting.
2. A Deputy may not be involved as accused or remanded in custody, nor may a question on subjecting him/her to administrative liability through judicial procedure may be initiated without the consent of the National Assembly granted in the manner prescribed by Article 98 of this Law.
3. The Deputy may not be arrested without the consent of the National Assembly granted in the manner prescribed by Article 98 of this Law, except for cases when caught in the act of committing a crime. In this case the Chairperson of the National Assembly is immediately notified. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
Article. 9.1. Limitations on the Activities of the Deputy
1. In conformity with Paragraph 1 of Article 65 of the Constitution, a Deputy may not be engaged in entrepreneurial activities, hold office in state and local self-government bodies or commercial organizations, neither engage in any other paid occupation, except for scientific, academic and creative work.
2. Within the meaning of this Law, scientific, academic and creative work is the relevant activities (work) defined by Article 24 of the Law of the Republic of Armenia on Public Service.
3. The duties of the Deputy related to the exercise of his/her powers of a Deputy prevail over any scientific, academic and creative work, or any other work done by him/her not prohibited by law.
4. Remuneration for scientific, academic and creative work of a Deputy may not be beyond what is reasonable, i.e. the amount that is payable to a person who has similar qualifications but who is not a Deputy.
5. Engagement in scientific, academic, creative or any other work not prohibited by law is not a basis for regarding the absences of the Deputy in the manner prescribed by Sub-Paragraph ‘b’ Paragraph 3 of Article 99 of this Law from more than half of votes within one regular session to be for a good reason. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012)
Article 9.2 Ensuring Limitations to the Activities of the Deputy
1. Within one month following the adopting by the relevant electoral commission of a decision on the election of the Deputy, the latter must:
a) re-register from the state register of private entrepreneurs;
b) resign from a commercial organization or hand over his/her full share in the charter capital thereof to trust management;
c) resign from the position of a trust manager of another’s property in a commercial organization;
d) resign from his/her office in state and local self-government bodies;
e) resign from any paid work if according to Article 24 of the Law of the Republic of Armenia on Public Service it is not regarded as scientific, academic or creative work.
2. The time period set by Paragraph 1 of this Article is suspended from the date of admission by the Constitutional Court of a case involving a dispute over decisions adopted based on the outcomes of the Deputy’s election (by proportional and single-mandate representation) until the date of adoption by the Constitutional Court of a final decision on the case.
3. Prior to admission to any scientific, academic or creative paid work the Deputy has a right to apply in the manner prescribed by Sub-Paragraph ‘d’ of Paragraph 1 of Article 24.2 of this Law to the ad hoc ethics committee of the National Assembly (hereinafter: the ethics committee) and obtain the conclusion thereof.
4. If the trust management contract over the share of the Deputy in the charter capital of a commercial organization is not terminated due to the dissolution or bankruptcy of that organization, then the Deputy must quit within one month of termination of the trust management contract the commercial organization or hand his/her share in its charter capital in full to trust management. (Supplemented by LA-111 dated 19.03.2012)
Article 10. Issues Related to the Activities of the Deputy
1. The Deputy is granted a Deputy’s card, a diplomatic passport and a badge reading ‘Deputy of the National Assembly,’ the description of which is approved by the National Assembly for the term of exercise of his/her powers.
2. The Deputy’s medical services and leisure are organized according to the procedure defined by the law.
3. A Deputy who has no apartment in Yerevan, is provided with compensation equal to the amount of the rent of an apartment in Yerevan, the size of which is determined by the Chairperson of the National Assembly.
4. The Deputy is exempt from military service, conscription and military drills.
Article 11. The Deputy’s Assistant
1. The Deputy may have two assistants, one of which works on a paid basis, and the other – pro bono.
The position of the assistant, working on a paid basis is determined by the staffing list, the assistant is employed on a fixed term contract by the recommendation of the Deputy.
(Amended by the LA-212 dated 27.11.2008)
1.1 While exercising their work obligations assistants to Deputies share their offices, technical and communication means. (Supplemented by the LA-212 dated 27.11.2008)
2. By the assignment of the Deputy, his/her assistant:
a) prepares the documents to be submitted to the National Assembly for debate;
b) prepares analytical, information and other materials necessary for the exercise of the powers of the Deputy;
c) organizes the reception of citizens by the Deputy;
d) performs clerical services.
3. (Paragraph 3 became ineffective, as amended by the LA- 113 dated 30. 04. 2009)
Article 12. Termination of the Powers of the Deputy
1. The powers of the Deputy terminate if:
a) the term of office of the National Assembly has expired;
b) the National Assembly has been dissolved;
c) in conformity with Article 99.1 of this Article s/he has violated the requirement of Paragraph 1 of Article 65 of the Constitution (Amended by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012);
c.1) s/he has been appointed (elected) to an office in a state or local self-government body or a commercial organization; (Amended by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012)
d) s/he has lost the citizenship of the Republic of Armenia;
e) s/he is regarded to be absent from more than half of the voting during one regular session without any good reason in the manner prescribed by Article 99 of this Law; (Amended by the LA -111 dated 26.02.2007)
f) s/he has been sentenced to imprisonment;
g) the court decision on recognizing him/her as incapable has come into legal force;
h) the decision of the Constitutional Court on invalidating the registration of his/her election has come into force;
i) s/he has resigned in the manner prescribed by Article 13 of this Law;
j) s/he died.
2. In cases prescribed by Sub-Paragraphs ‘c.1’, ‘d’, ‘f’, ‘g’, and ‘h’ of Paragraph 1 of this Article, and on the basis of the relevant documents a protocol on the termination of the powers of the Deputy is drawn up to be signed by the Chairperson of the National Assembly and sent to the Central Electoral Commission within five days.
Article 13. Procedure for the Resignation of the Deputy
1. The Deputy submits his/her written letter of resignation in person to the Chairperson of the National Assembly, who makes it public at the upcoming sitting of the National Assembly. (Amended and supplemented by the LA -69 dated 24.12.2004)
2. If within a period of 15 days after his/her resignation has been made public, by a written request the Deputy:
a) withdraws his/her written request of resignation, then the Chairperson of the National Assembly notifies the National Assembly thereon at the next sitting;
b) does not withdraw his/her written request of resignation, a protocol is drawn up on termination of his/her powers, which the Chairperson of the National Assembly signs and sends to the Central Electoral Commission within five days.
Article 14. Procedure for the Establishment of Factions
1. Factions are established on the opening day of the first session of the newly elected National Assembly in accordance with the following principles:
a) elected Deputies, nominated by a party or a bloc of parties having participated in the distribution of mandates by the proportional electoral system, are included in factions of the same name;
b) a faction, established through the union of Deputies, elected by the nomination of a bloc of parties, also include the Deputies nominated by the parties of that bloc and elected by the majoritarian electoral system.
1.1. A faction is considered opposition if the leader or secretary of the faction makes a statement on being opposition at the sitting of the National Assembly, and no one nominated by a party or bloc of parties having formed the faction is included in the composition of the Government.
If anyone nominated by a party or bloc of parties having formed the faction is included in the composition of the Government, or the leader or secretary of the faction makes a statement on not being opposition, the faction ceases to be considered an opposition.
A faction is considered non-opposition if anyone nominated by a party or bloc of parties having formed the faction is included in the composition of the Government, or the leader or secretary of the faction at the sitting of the National Assembly makes a statement on forming a political coalition with the party, having more members in the composition of the Government and on not being opposition. (Supplemented by the LA-249 dated 19.12. 2012)
An opposition faction has safeguards of activities defined by this Law. (Supplemented by the LA-182 dated 23.10. 2008)
2. The faction submits to the Chairperson of the National Assembly in writing its charter, name, membership, names and surnames of its leader and secretary, which the presiding officer makes public at the upcoming sitting of the National Assembly.
3. The Deputy may quit a faction by notifying in writing the leader of the relevant faction. (DCC – 810 dated 30.06.2009)
4. The activities of a faction are terminated, if all its members quit the faction; and the activities of the faction are resumed if at least one Deputy, competent to do so, is included in its membership.
5 A written notice on the change of the membership of a faction, as well as termination or resumption of its activities, is immediately issued to the Chairperson of the National Assembly or the presiding officer, who makes a statement thereon at the upcoming sitting of the National Assembly.
Article 15. Procedure for the Establishment of Deputy Groups
1. At least 10 Deputies may form a deputy group by submitting to the Chairperson of the National Assembly a statement signed by them on the establishment of the group , which the presiding officer makes public at the upcoming sitting of the National Assembly.
2. The group submits to the Chairperson of the National Assembly in writing its charter, name, membership, names and surnames of its leader and secretary.
3. The name of the group must not coincide with the name of any acting, suspended or banned party or bloc of parties.
4. The Deputy may quit the group by notifying in writing the leader of the corresponding group.
5. The membership of the group is expanded by the decision of the group following the submission of a written request by a Deputy to the leader of the group.
6. The group is dissolved by its decision, or when the number of its members becomes less than 10 and is not sufficient within 14 days following a statement thereon in the sitting of the National Assembly.
7. A written notice on the change of membership of the group or its dissolution must be issued to the Chairperson of the National Assembly or the presiding officer, who makes a statement thereon at the upcoming sitting of the National Assembly.
Article 16. Ensuring the Activities of Factions and Deputy Groups
1. Separate sections are provided to factions and deputy groups in the session hall of the National Assembly.
2. In the premises of the National Assembly factions and deputy groups are provided with offices furnished and equipped with technology and communication means; with official bulletins of the Republic of Armenia and draft laws circulated in the National Assembly, conclusions submitted by the Government and the NA staff about draft laws: draft laws adopted by the first and second readings, as well as with the daily newspaper Hayastani Hanrapetutyun. (Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004, the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
3. The faction and the deputy group are provided with a car.
4. The administrative assistant and experts of a faction and deputy group are employed on the basis of a fixed term contract, by the recommendation of the leader of the corresponding faction or deputy group, and perform his/her assignments, as well as assist upon his/her assignment in the work of the members of a faction or deputy group. (Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
5. Factions and deputy groups having up to 14 members have one administrative assistant and three experts according to the staffing list of the staff, while factions and deputy groups having more than 14 members have one administrative assistant and four experts.(Amended by the LA – 113 dated 30.04.2009)
CHAPTER 3
THE CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSONS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Article 17. Elections of the Chairperson and Vice Chairpersons of the National Assembly
1. The right to nominate candidates from among the Deputies for the positions of the Chairperson of the National Assembly and the Vice Presidents belongs to Deputies.
2. The issues related to the election of candidates nominated for the positions of the Chairperson and the Vice Chairpersons of the National Assembly are discussed in the manner prescribed by Paragraph 2 of Article 97 of this Law.
3. The Chairperson of the National Assembly is elected by secret ballot by the majority vote of the total number of Deputies. (Amended by the LA -111 dated 26.02.2007)
4. The Vice Chairpersons of the National Assembly are elected by secret ballot by the majority vote of the Deputies participating in the voting if more than half of the total number of Deputies have participated in the voting. (Amended by the LA -111 dated 26.02.2007)
5. If the positions of the Vice Chairpersons of the National Assembly are vacant at the same time, the nomination of candidates, discussion and voting are implemented separately.
Article 18. The Competences of the Chairperson of the National Assembly
1. In the manner prescribed by the Constitution, the Chairperson of the National Assembly:
a) performs the duties of the President of the Republic, in case the position of the President of the Republic is vacant until the newly elected President takes office;
b) convenes the extraordinary sessions and sittings of the National Assembly; (Supplemented by the LA -111 dated 26.02.2007);
c) signs and promulgates the decisions, addresses and statements of the National Assembly; (Supplemented by the LA -111 dated 26.02.2007);
c. 1) adopts and promulgates resolutions and orders; (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04. 2009);
c. 2) convenes parliamentary hearings having defined the manner of their conduct; (Supplemented by the LA- 41 dated 08.04.2010)
c.3) establishes advisory public bodies; (Supplemented by the LA-41 dated 08.04.2010)
d) represents the National Assembly;
e) approves the compositions of the standing committees of the National Assembly;
f) makes official communications;
g) by consulting with the factions and deputy groups of the National Assembly approves the composition of the delegations of the National Assembly to international parliamentary organizations, inter-parliamentary commissions, their rules of formation and activity; (Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004, LA-113 dated 30.04. 2009)
h) presides over the sittings of the National Assembly and the working meetings of the National Assembly;
i) submits to the National Assembly for approval the draft agendas of the regular session and four-day sittings;
j) approves the safety rules operating on the premises of the National Assembly;
ja) puts into circulation the drafts of laws and resolutions of the National Assembly, and appoints a lead committee; (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
jb) sends to the President of the Republic the laws adopted by the National Assembly, as well as the resolutions of the National Assembly on designating a referendum for the adoption of laws, the Constitution and making amendments thereto;
jc) (Sub-Paragraph ‘jc’ became ineffective as amended by the LA -111 dated 26.02.2007);
jd) ensures the regular functioning of the National Assembly and, if necessary, convenes political consultations; (Amended by the LA-404 dated 03.07.2002)
jd.1) administers the material resources of the National Assembly; (Supplemented by the LA – 404 dated 03.07.2002, Amended by the LA -111 dated 26.02.2007)
je) approves the structure and regulations of the staff; (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04. 2009)
je.1) approves the staffing list and the official rate of remuneration of the staff members; (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04. 2009; Amended by the LA-41 dated 08.04.2010);
jf) appoints to and removes from offices the chiefs of staff and its structural subdivisions; (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04. 2009);
jf.1) appoints a representative of the National Assembly in the Constitutional Court; (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04. 2009);
jg) nominates candidates to the National Assembly for appointment to the positions of the Members of the Constitutional Court, and of the Chairperson of the Constitutional Court from among the Members of the Constitutional Court; (Amended by the LA -12 dated 25.12.2006);
jg.1) forms a competition commission for the election to the vacancy of a member of the National Television and Radio Commission; (hereinafter: the National Commission);
(Amended by the LA-181 dated 07. 10. 2009);
jg. 2) on his own initiative or by the proposal of the commission invites an expert (specialist) on a volunteer or contractual basis or sends the draft of a legislative act for expert examination; (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30. 04. 2009);
jh) approves the number of the experts (specialists) of the ad-hoc committees of the National Assembly; (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26. 02. 2007);
jh.1) defines the operational procedure of the competition committee for election to the vacancy of a member of the independent broadcasting regulator; (Added by the LA-111 dated 28.04 2009, Amended by the LA-41 dated 08.04. 2010);
ji) presents annual reports at the sitting of the National Assembly on both the activities of the National Assembly and himself/herself in the manner prescribed by Sub-Paragraphs ‘a’ and ‘b’ of Paragraph 4 of Article 55 of this Law without adopting a resolution; (Amended by the LA -69 dated 24.12.2004)
k) approves the procedures for the accreditation of journalists in the National Assembly, as well as for holding press conferences and briefings in the building of the National Assembly; (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
k.1) approves the terms of tender for the TV broadcasting of the Parliamentary Week and the sittings of the National Assembly; (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04. 2009)
k.2) during the TV broadcasting of the television programme series the Parliamentary Week establishes the priority order of speeches of committees, factions and deputy groups as well as Deputies not included in factions and deputy groups; (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04 2009)
k a) establishes and dissolves the parliamentary friendship groups of the National Assembly, approves their membership, procedures of their formation and operations; (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
kb) approves the description and the procedure for awarding the Medals of Honour of the National Assembly and the Diploma of Honour of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia; (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
kc) awards the Medal of Honour of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, the Diploma of Honour of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, the Letter of Gratitude of the Chairperson of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, the Souvenir Medal of the Chairperson of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, the Souvenir of the Chairperson of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, as well as encourages with monetary awards; (Supplemented by the LA–113 dated 30.04. 2009)
2. The powers, prescribed by Sub-Paragraphs ‘i,’ ‘k,’ ‘k.1’ and ‘k.2’ of Paragraph 1 of this Article are implemented after they are discussed in the working meeting of the National Assembly taking into account the submitted recommendations. (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30. 04. 2009)
3. The Chairperson of the National Assembly adopts resolutions in the cases prescribed by Sub-Paragraphs ‘b,’ ‘j,’ ‘je,’ ‘jh.1,’ ‘k,’ ‘kb’ and ‘k.1’ of Paragraph 1 of this Article and orders in cases prescribed by Sub-Paragraphs ‘c.3,’ ‘e,’ ‘g,’ ‘jd.1,’ ‘je.1,’ ‘jf,’ ‘jh,’ ‘jg.1,’ ‘k.2,’ ‘ka’ and ‘kc’ of Paragraph 1 of this Article. (Supplemented by the LA–113 dated 30. 04.2009, the LA–181 dated 07.10.2009; LA – 41 dated 08.04.2010)
4. In the cases prescribed by Sub-Paragraphs ‘b,’ ‘c.3,’ ‘e,’ ‘g,’ ‘j,’ ‘je,’ ‘je.1,’ ‘jf,’ ‘jf.1,’ ‘k,’ ‘k.1,’ ‘k.2,’ ‘ka,’ ‘kb’ and ‘kc’ of Paragraph 1 of this Article the acts adopted by the Chairperson of the National Assembly are sent to the committees, factions and deputy groups within 2 days. (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009; the LA-41 dated 08.04.2010)
Article 19. The Competences of the Vice Chairpersons of the National Assembly
1. By the assignment of the Chairperson of the National Assembly the Vice Chairpersons of the National Assembly:
a) preside over the sittings of the National Assembly;
b) preside over the working meetings of the National Assembly;
c) substitute for the Chairperson of the National Assembly.
2. If the office of the Chairperson of the National Assembly is vacant, the duties of the Chairperson of the National Assembly are carried out by the Vice Chairperson of the National Assembly who received more votes at the time of his/her election. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
3. According to Article 60 of the Constitution, when the Chairperson of the National Assembly discharges the responsibilities of the President of the Republic, the powers of the Chairperson of the National Assembly are exercised by the Vice Chairperson of the National Assembly who received more votes at the time of his/her election. (Supplemented by the LA -111 dated 26.02.2007)
Article 20. Termination of the Powers of the Chairperson and Vice Chairpersons of the National Assembly
1. The powers of the Chairperson and Vice Chairpersons of the National Assembly are terminated if:
a) their powers as a Deputy have terminated according to Article 12 of this Law;
b) they have resigned in the manner prescribed by Paragraphs 2 or 3 of this Article.
2. The Chairperson of the National Assembly submits his/her resignation officially to the presiding officer, who makes it public at the upcoming sitting of the National Assembly. Following the expiration of the five-day period:
a) in case of a re-submission of the resignation, the resignation of the Chairperson of the National Assembly is considered to be accepted;
b) in case of a failure to re-submit the resignation, the presiding officer notifies the National Assembly thereon at the upcoming sitting, and the resignation of the Chairperson of the National Assembly is considered to be void.
3. The Vice Chairpersons of the National Assembly submit their resignation officially to the Chairperson of the National Assembly who makes it public at the upcoming sitting of the National Assembly. If, within a period of 3 days after the resignation has been made public, the resigning official:
a) withdraws his/her request for resignation, then the presiding officer notifies the National Assembly thereon at the upcoming sitting;
b) does not withdraw his/her written request for resignation, the resignation is considered to be accepted.
4. The draft resolutions of the National Assembly on early termination of powers of the Chairperson and Vice Chairpersons of the National Assembly are discussed in the National Assembly in the manner prescribed by Paragraph 7 of Article 97 of this Law.
5. The resolution of the National Assembly on early termination of the powers of the Chairperson of the National Assembly is adopted by secret ballot by the majority vote of the total number of Deputies.
6. The resolution of the National Assembly on the early termination of the powers of the Vice Chairperson of the National Assembly is adopted by secret ballot by the majority vote of the Deputies having participated in the voting if more than half of the total number of Deputies participated in the voting. (Amended by the LA -111 dated 26.02.2007)
Article 21. The Standing Committees and Their Activities
1. According to Article 73 of the Constitution, the standing committees are established for the preliminary review of draft legislative acts and other issues and rendering their conclusions thereon to the National Assembly. (Amended by the LA -111 dated 26.02.2007)
2. (Paragraph 2 became ineffective as amended by the LA- 60 dated 26. 05. 2007)
3. The composition of the standing committees is approved by the Chairperson of the National Assembly provided the principles, stipulated in Article 25 of this Law have been observed.
4. The number, names and spheres of action of the standing committees are defined by the resolution of the National Assembly. The number of the standing committees is defined at a session of the National Assembly. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012)
5. A standing committee has its rules of procedure, which are approved by the decision of the committee.
6. The organizational, documentation, informational, analytical and professional activities of a standing committee are provided by the secretariat of the standing committee, which is a structural subdivision of the staff and acts in accordance with the procedure prescribed by the Statute of the standing committee and the staff, headed by the chairperson of the standing committee. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
7. Each of standing committees has one administrative assistant (aid) and 3 experts (specialists) defined by the personnel list of the staff. The administrative assistant of the standing committee is employed and dismissed by the consent of the chairperson the respective standing committee, while the experts (specialists) - according to the legislation on state service in the staff of the National Assembly; (Amended by the LA -111 dated 26.02.2007)
7.1. In the case foreseen by Paragraph 4 of this Article the legal status of the experts (specialists) of reorganized (merged, united, separated) and (or) renamed standing committees is determined in the manner prescribed by Article 31 of the Law on the Republic of Armenia on State Service in the Republic of Armenia. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012)
8. The staff provides the standing committees with the acts, adopted by the President of the Republic, the National Assembly, the Government, and the Constitutional Court, as well as with the daily newspaper Hayastani Hanrapetutyun. (Amended by the LA–113 dated 30. 04. 2009)
Article 22. The Ad-Hoc Committee and its Activities
1. In accordance with Article 73 of the Constitution, ad-hoc committees are set up for the preliminary discussion of various draft laws or for delivering conclusions and memos on certain issues, events and facts to the National Assembly. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
2., When establishing an ad-hoc committee, the National Assembly defines its tasks, terms and procedure of action.
3. Within the set timeframe the ad-hoc committee reports on the results of its activities at the sitting of the National Assembly.
4. On the basis of the conclusion or memo rendered by the ad-hoc committee, the Deputy may, within two days after the reporting of the ad-hoc committee about its activities, submit a draft resolution of the National Assembly in the manner prescribed by this Law. Upon the conclusion of the head committee the draft resolution of the National Assembly is included in the draft on making amendments to the agenda of the regular session and, if included in the agenda of the regular session, in the draft agenda of the upcoming four-day sitting. (Amended by the LA–404 dated 03.07.2002, the LA- 41 dated 08.04.2010)
5. The experts (specialists) of the ad-hoc committee are employed on a contractual basis for the term of activities of the committee. Their composition and number are approved by the Chairperson of the National Assembly upon the recommendation of the corresponding committee unless otherwise prescribed by a resolution of the National Assembly. (Amended by the LA -111 dated 26.02.2007)
Article 23. The Establishment and Activity of the Sub-committee, the Working Group and the Experts' Working Group (Budget Office)
1. A standing committee may set up sub-committees from among its composition, as well as establish working groups by defining their tasks, terms and procedure of activities and
electing their heads.
2. A working group, established by a standing committee, may include a Deputy, as well as an expert (specialist) of a committee, faction, deputy group, assistant to the Deputy and
other specialists.
3. The head of the sub-committee or working group, established by a standing committee, shall perform the assignments of the chairperson of the standing committee.
4. Within the set timeframe, the sub-committee or working group, established by a standing committee, shall report on the results of its activities at the meeting of the standing
committee.
5. The sub-committee or working group, established by a standing committee, may be dissolved ahead of time by the decision of the standing committee.
6. For assisting the productive fulfillment of the control powers, reserved to the National Assembly by Article 77 of the Constitution, as well as to the provisions prescribed by Article
101 and 10th and 11th Chapters of this Law and for providing information and professional support to the Deputies, standing committees, factions and deputy groups, a working group
of experts is formed in the National Assembly (hereinafter: the Budget Office.)
7. The functions of the Budget Office;
1) to provide certificates related to the document presented through programmatic and (or) through another format in the state draft budget and in an annual report on state budget
performing, budget revenues and the budget expenditures in it;
2) to organize training courses, related to the budget planning format;
3) to prepare the summary of the state draft budget, as well as preparing certificates and branch, programmatic and field summary;
4) to support the formulation of the proposals on making amendments to the state draft budget; if necessary to carry out calculations as well as providing information, according to the
corresponding article of budget classification of expenditure, and the number of the chart of the state draft budget, related to the adopted proposals in the state draft budget;
5) to provide information related to motion of fulfillment of state budget. For that purpose the budget office shall provide an online review of state budget revenues, according to taxes,
dues, official grants and other kinds of receipts, as well as of functions with state budget expenses and non - financial assets and funding sources of deficit of state budget, at a
supplements details level of the Law of the Republic of Armenia on State Budget of the given Year;
6) to provide certificates related to expenses of state budget revenues (including non - budgetary means,) as well as allocated by state budget, allocated means (including non
budgetary means;)
7) to provide certificates related to the state debt of the Republic of Armenia and credit programs, fulfilled by the support of foreign countries and international organizations in the
Republic of Armenia, including the influence of credit service on the state budget as well as providing certificates related to allotted grants to the Republic of Armenia of the foreign
countries and international organizations as well as other persons;
8) to support formulation of questions, inquiries and interpellations, related to state draft budget and state budget incomes during fulfillment of state budget, expenses and functions
with non- financial assets, state budget deficit, its financial sources, state budget debts, as well as the debt of the Republic of Armenia, credit programs, fulfilled by the support of
foreign countries and international organizations in the Republic of Armenia, including the influence of credit service on state budget and allotted grants to the Republic of Armenia of
the foreign countries and international organizations as well as of other persons;
9) to prepare the brief description of the annual report on the state budget implementation, as well as to prepare the branch, programmatic, and annual field report on state budget
implementation and preparation of the certificates;
10) to prepare the brief description of the certificate, presented by the Government related to the state budget implementation process (quarterly;)
11) to provide certificates related to annual, current reports and conclusions of the Control chamber;
12) To present the quarterly and annual reports related to the works done to the standing committee on financial-credit and budgetary field of the National Assembly. The annual
report shall be posted on the internet page of the Budget Office.
8. The Budget office, within the limits of its functions, as well as in the cases prescribed by this law and the procedure shall provide professional support and information to the
Deputies, standing committees, factions and deputy groups on the basis of their written enquiry.
The Budget Office shall turn to the chair of the standing committee of financial-credit and budgetary field of the National Assembly or to any Deputy for the purpose of implementing
its functions, and for receiving the necessary information from the state administration and local self - government bodies, officials, institutions and organizations.
9. The Rules of the Procedure of the Budget Office, the demands presented to the experts, the procedure of their election (nomination,) officiate conditions and time limit and the
amount of payment shall be defined by the first and second addenda of this law.
10. There is a coordinating expert and 4 other experts in the composition of the Budget Office. The years of service of the experts, for the given period of time, shall be equal with the
working experience occupying office in the second sub-group of the highest offices of the state service in the Staff of the National Assembly.
(Amended by the LA- 17 dated 25.03.2015)
Article 24. The Ad Hoc Returning Committee and its Activities
1. An ad-hoc returning committee (hereinafter: the Returning Committee), which retains its powers until the beginning of the next regular session is set up by the resolution of the National Assembly at the first four-day sitting of each regular session.
2. Any candidate being put to the vote for election to an elected position or body, as well as the authors of the issue put to the vote may not participate in the works of the returning committee during the voting.
3. The returning committee elects the chairperson and the secretary of the committee from among its members.
4. The returning committee:
a) organizes voting by secret ballot and submits the results thereof to the National Assembly in the manner prescribed by Article 62 of this Law;
b) registers the Deputies in the case prescribed by Paragraph 3 of Article 44 of this Law;
c) counts the votes of Deputies in the case prescribed by Paragraph 2 of Article 61 of this Law.
5.The decisions of the returning committee are adopted by the majority vote of its members.
Article 24.1. The Procedure for the Formation of the Ethics Committee
1. An ethics committee is formed upon the nomination of the factions at the first four-day sitting of the first session of the National Assembly, as well as of each regular session, and functions until the formation of the next ethics committee of the National Assembly of the same convocation.
The membership of the ethics committee is approved, and the chairperson and vice chairpersons of the ethics committee are appointed by the Chairperson of the National Assembly if the principles stipulated in Paragraphs 2, 3, 4 and 6 of this Article are observed.
2. A faction has a right to nominate at least one Deputy in the ethics committee. If the overall number of non-opposition factions is not equal to the overall number of opposition factions, the membership of the ethics committee is expanded with additional member(s) in the following manner:
a) if the number of non-opposition factions is bigger than that of opposition factions, then the right to consecutively nominate one additional member in places constituting the difference belongs to the opposition factions;
b) if the overall number of opposition factions is bigger than that of non-opposition factions, then the right to consecutively nominate one additional member in places constituting the difference belongs to the non-opposition factions;
c) the sequence of nomination of the additional member(s) is determined according to the number of factions having the right to nominate them – from the bigger number to the smaller one;
d) the additional member(s) is(are) nominated until the numbers of non-opposition and opposition factions become equal in the ethics committee.
Other parliamentary factions that are not considered either opposition or non-opposition, shall nominate one representative to the Ethics Committee. (Supplemented by the LA-249 dated 19.12.2012 )
3. The chairperson and vice chairperson of the ethics committee are appointed from among the members of the ethics committee upon the nomination of the factions.
The right to consecutively hold the position of the chairperson of the ethics committee belongs to the largest opposition and non-opposition factions.
If the position of the chairperson of the ethics committee is held by:
a) a representative of a non-opposition party, then the right to hold the position of the chairperson of the ethics committee belongs to the largest opposition factions;
b) a representative of the opposition faction, then the right to hold the position of the chairperson of the ethics committee belongs to the largest non-opposition faction.
4. The right to nominate the members, as well as to hold the positions of the chairperson and vice chairperson of the ethics committee is preserved until the end of the terms of office of the ethics committee.
Factions have a right to change their members sitting in the ethics committee.
5. The powers of a member (chairperson, vice chairperson) are terminated if:
a) his/her powers of the Deputy have terminated in the cases prescribed by Article 12 of this Law;
b) the terms of office of the ethics committee has expired;
c) s/he has resigned;
d) the faction has changed him/her in the manner prescribed by Sub-Paragraph 2 of Paragraph 4 of this Article.
6. The vacant position of a member (chairperson, vice chairperson) of the ethics committee is filled in the manner prescribed by Paragraphs 1-4 of this Article by the factions having the right to nominate a member of the ethics committee or to hold the position of the chairperson and vice chairperson of the ethics committee. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012)
Article 24.2. The Competences of the Ethics Committee
1. The ethics committee:
a) submits a conclusion to the National Assembly on the violation by a Deputy of the requirements of Paragraph 1 of Article 65 of the Constitution;
b) decides on the issue of violation by a Deputy of the rules of ethics foreseen by Paragraph 2 of Article 6.1 of this Law;
c) decides on the failure by a Deputy to meet the requirement of Paragraph 3 of Article 6.2. of this Law on making a statement on conflict of interest;
d) submits a conclusion to the Deputy on deeming the work indicated by him/her compatible with Article 24 of the Law of the Republic of Armenia on Public Service;
e) submits a conclusion to a Deputy on the need to make a statement on conflict of interest on an issue indicated by him/her in the manner prescribed by Paragraph 3 of Article 6.2. of this Law.
2. The ethics committee may:
a) demand and obtain materials and documents related to any issue examined by the ethics committee from any state or local self-government body, state and municipal institution, state and municipal organization or their public officials;
b) demand from competent state and local self-government bodies, state or municipal institutions, state or municipal organizations or their public officials, excluding courts, judges and prosecutors to carry out checks, studies, expert examinations on the circumstances surrounding the issue examined by the ethics committee and submit their outcomes to the latter.
3. The materials, documents or other information must be sent to it within 10 days following the receipt of the inquiry unless prescribed otherwise in the inquiry or the addressee of the inquiry does not recommend another reasonable time for meeting the requirement of the ethics committee.
4. The members of the ethics committee are competent to visit freely any state or municipal institution or organization, as well as to familiarize themselves with any material and document related to the issue examined by the ethics committee. Members of the ethics committee may get familiarized with information containing state, service, commercial or any other secrets protected by the law in the manner prescribed by the law. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012)
Article 24.3. Applying to the Ethics Committee and the Examination of the Application
1. Persons who have a right to apply to the ethics committee are:
a) anyone in the cases prescribed by Sub-Paragraphs ‘a’-‘c’ of Paragraph 1 of Article 24.2 of this Law;
b) the Deputy in the cases prescribed by Sub-Paragraphs ‘d’-‘e’ of Paragraph 1 of Article 24.2. of this Law.
2. The application is submitted in writing and must contain:
a) the name, family name of the applicant, in case of a Deputy, the number of the constituency, and in case of a legal person - its full name;
b) the applicant’s and legal person’s address (is not submitted in case of a Deputy);
c) in cases prescribed by Sub-Paragraphs ‘a’-‘c’ of Paragraph 1 of Article 24.2, the name, family name and number of the constituency of the Deputy to who the application is related;
d) other documents substantiating the violations of the requirements of the Constitution and this Law, as well as those needed for clarifying or resolving the matter;
e) the date, month and year of drawing the application;
f) the signature of the applicant, and, in case of a legal person, the competent official.
3. If there are formal errors in the application, which can be corrected, then the secretary of the ethics committee points it to the applicant thereby enabling him/her to correct them or corrects it herself/himself by notifying the applicant in advance or thereafter. If the list of the documents attached to the application is not complete, then the secretary of the ethics committee suggests that the list be amended in the prescribed timeframe.
4. Upon the recommendation of the ethics committee but no later than within 10 days after receiving the application, the ethics committee by its decision starts the examination of the issue raised in the application or declines its examination.
5. The ethics committee declines the discussion of the application if:
a) the issues raised in the application are not within the competence of the ethics committee;
b) the applicant is not competent to apply to the ethics committee for the issue raised in the application;
c) there is a resolution (conclusion) of the National Assembly and (or) the ethics committee on an application submitted by the same Deputy and on the same grounds;
d) the ethics committee is examining the issue on the basis of an(other) application(s) on the subject-matter of the application.
6. Within 3 days following the start of the examination of the issue by the ethics committee, the secretary of the ethics committee notifies the applicant, as well as the Deputy and other stakeholders indicated in the application, and, if necessary, notifies the representatives of the competent authorities involved in the discussion of the issue of the place, date, time and other conditions of the measures necessary for the examination of the issue.
The secretary of the ethics committee returns the application and the attached documentation along with the decision of the ethics committee on declining the application to the applicant.
7.The ethics committee terminates the examination of the issue within 30 days following the adoption of a decision on starting the examination of the issue. This term may by the decision of the ethics committee be extended for up to 20 days if with a view to obtaining additional information or documentation there arises a need for obtaining extra information or documents and it is essentially impossible to adopt a resolution or conclusion on the merits in the remaining period of time. The secretary of the ethics committee notifies the relevant stakeholders on the extension of the examination of the case.
8. The ethics committee must suspend the examination of the issue if:
a) it is impossible for the ethics committee to adopt a resolution or conclusion on the issue prior to the decision of the issue in the framework of a constitutional, administrative, civil or criminal case;
b) elements of crime are identified in the course of the examination of the ethics committee. In that case the secretary of the ethics committee sends within 24 hours all of the materials related to the issue to the General Prosecutor of the Republic of Armenia (hereinafter: the Prosecutor General).
The ethics committee may suspend the examination of an issue if the Deputy indicated in the application is absent for a good reason, and prior to adopting a resolution or conclusion the ethics committee deems his/her presence necessary to find out certain important circumstances from the latter on the issue under examination.
The examination of the issue resumes within a 3-day period following the elimination of the circumstances having resulted in its suspension.
9. The examination of the issue is discontinued if the term of office of the National Assembly has expired, the powers of the Deputy indicated in the application have terminated, or the necessity for the adoption of the conclusion of the ethics committee on other grounds foreseen by the law.
10. The secretary of the ethics committee sends the decisions of the ethics committee on discontinuing, suspending or resuming the examination of the issue to the relevant stakeholders.
(Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012)
Article 24.4. The Procedure of Activities of the Ethics Committee
1. The ethics committee acts in the manner prescribed by Articles 27, 28, 29 and 30.1 of this Law with the following difference:
a) the regular sittings of the committee are convened only on the dates determined by the commission or its chairperson;
b) the sittings of the committee are in camera, except when the Deputy indicated in the application suggests that an open sitting be held;
c) the sitting of the committee is competent if at least half of the overall number of its members are present (have registered), and it is presided over by the chairperson of the committee or in the case prescribed by Paragraph 9 of Article 26, his/her deputy or a member authorized by the committee;
d) In cases foreseen by Sub-Paragraphs ‘a’, ‘b’ and ‘c’ of Paragraph 1 of Article 24.2 of this Law the main reporter will be the member of the committee who is competent to present the outcomes of the examination to the committee, while the Deputy indicated in the application will make a supplementary report. The author of the application, the persons having submitted materials, documents or information to the committee in the manner prescribed by Paragraph 3 of Article 24.2 of this Law, as well as the representative of the Deputy have a right to speak, to answer the questions raised by the committee members and the deputy indicated in the application;
e) In the cases prescribed by Sub-Paragraphs ‘d’ and ‘e’ of Paragraph 1 of Article 24.2 of this Law, the author of the application acts as the main reporter, while the committee member competent to present the outcomes of the examination of the application, makes the supplementary report. The persons having submitted materials, documents and other information to the committee in the manner prescribed by Paragraph 3 of Article 24.2. of this Law, as well as the Deputy’s representative have a right to make a speech, to answer the questions of the committee members and the author of the application;
f) the committee decisions and conclusions are adopted by the majority of the voting members, if more than half of the overall number of the committee members have taken part in the vote; (Amended by the LA-249 dated 19.12.2007)
g) if the committee does not complete the debate of the issue within the terms with regard as prescribed by paragraph 7 of Article 24.3, or if the draft resolution or conclusion of the committee does not obtain the number of votes necessary for its adoption, then the application submitted with regard to the issues under Sub-Paragraphs ‘a’, ‘b’ and ‘c’ of Paragraph 1 of Article 24.2. is deemed to be dismissed and the examination of the application on the issues under Sub-Paragraphs ‘d’ and ‘e’ of Paragraph 1 of Article 24.2. of this Law is deemed to be terminated; (Supplemented by the LA-249 dated 19.12.2012)
h) the committee must give an opportunity to the Deputy to who the application concerns, to issue clarifications on the issues raised in the application and the outcomes of the examination, as well as to substantiate its position in full. If the Deputy indicated in the application has refused to take part in the discussion, then at least 10 days prior to the discussion of the resolution or conclusion of the ethics committee on the merits of the issue, the secretary of the ethics committee sends the materials related to the issue to the Deputy who has a right to send within 5 days if no other timeframe has been set by the decision of the ethics committee his/her position and clarifications on them;
i) the procedural resolutions of the committee must be in writing, and any decision and conclusion on the merits must also be reasoned, except for cases foreseen by Sub-Paragraph ‘g’ of this Paragraph;
ia) the members of the committee and other persons taking part in the works of the committee have no right to make public any data related to the applicant or other persons that have come to their attention in the course of the discussion or examination of the issue without their written consent;
ib) the Deputy may not take part in the discussion of an issue as a member of the committee if s/he or any other person related to him/her is the author of the application or the committee is discussing their issue.
2. The ethics committee has its statute which is approved by the decision of the committee.
3. The chairperson of the ethics committee publicizes the resolutions and conclusions of the ethics committee at the upcoming four-day sitting of the regular session of the National Assembly, following which they are posted on the website of the National Assembly.
Except for the case foreseen by Article 99.1 of this Law, the resolutions and conclusions of the ethics committee are not discussed in the National Assembly.
4. Paragraphs 2-5 of Article 22 of this Law do not apply to the activities of the ethics committee.
(Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012)
Article 24.5. The Provision of the Activities of the Ethics Committee
1. The organizational, legal, documentation, informational and analytical activities of the ethics committee are provided for by the secretariat of the ethics committee, which is a structural subdivision of the staff and has a secretary and administrative assistant (aid) included in the staffing list.
2. The secretary and administrative assistant (aid) of the ethics committee are recruited and dismissed in conformity with the legislation on the state service in the National Assembly.
3. The secretary of the ethics committee fulfills the assignments of the chairperson of the ethics committee and exercises other powers stipulated by this Law. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012)
Article 25. General Procedure for Establishing the Committees
1. The number of members in each standing committee is equal to about 1/SC, where the SC is the total number of the standing committees. (Amended by the LA–111 dated 26.02.2007, by the LA–60 dated 26.05.2008)
2. The composition of the committee must reflect the quantitative ratio of factions, deputy groups and the Deputies not included therein.
3. Deputies are included in the standing committees on the basis of their requests.
4. (Paragraph 4 became ineffective as amended by the LA-113 dated 30. 04. 2009)
5. Members of a faction and deputy group are included in the committees upon the nomination of the faction and deputy group. (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
6. The faction and deputy group have a right to nominate at least one Deputy in each committee. (Supplemented by the LA – 113 dated 30.04.2009)
6.1. If the total number of the members of a faction and deputy group is less than that of the standing committees, the faction and deputy group have a right to nominate a candidate for inclusion in the composition of no more than two standing committees, one in each standing committee. In that case the faction and deputy group may have no more than one deputy in each standing committee, and the same deputy may be included in no more than in three standing committees. (Amended by the LA-174 dated 13.09. 2012)
6.2 A Deputy not included in the composition of the faction and deputy group may be included in no more than three standing committees. (Supplemented by the LA-174 dated 13.09. 2012)
7. The Chairperson of the National Assembly and the Vice Chairpersons, as well as the leaders of factions and deputy groups may, upon their wish, not be included in standing committees.
8. The factions and deputy groups have a right to change their members included in the committees. (Supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
Article 26. The Chairperson and the Vice Chairperson of the Committee
1. The right to nominate candidates to the positions of the chairpersons and vice chairpersons of the standing committees in the manner prescribed by Paragraph 1.1 of this Article until the expiry of the term of office of the National Assembly belongs to factions. (Amended by the LA-182 dated 23.10.2008)
1.1. The right to nominate candidates as chairpersons and vice chairpersons of standing committees is distributed among the factions in the opening day of the first session of the National Assembly according to the factor for each position calculated by the following formula:
Ff = Mf : (Pf + 1)
In which:
Ff – is the factor of the faction;
Mf – is the total number of the members of the faction;
Pf is the total number of positions of the chairpersons and vice chairpersons of standing committees conferred on the faction for nominating a candidate when calculating the factor of the faction for the next position.
At the beginning of the calculation of the factors the faction having the biggest factor receives the right to first elect and nominate a candidate as a chairperson of the standing committee or vice chairperson of the standing committee. The right to elect and to nominate for the next position of the chairperson or vice chairperson of the standing committee is conferred on the faction having the biggest factor compared with other factions. The calculation of factors is repeated until determining of right to nominate in the last position of chairpersons and vice chairpersons of the standing committees. In case of equal biggest factors, the right to nominate for the next position of the chairperson or vice chairperson of the standing committee is determined on the basis of a mutual consent of factions having equal factors, and, if this is impossible, by casting of lots.
After determining the right to nominate to the positions of the chairpersons and vice chairpersons of standing committees factions may by mutual consent replace and (or) cede to one another their right to nominate for the position of a chairperson and (or) vice chairperson of the standing committee.
(Supplemented by the LA-182 dated 23.10.2008)
2. The issue of election of candidates as chairpersons of standing committees is discussed in the manner prescribed by Paragraph 2 of Article 97 of this Law.
3. The powers of the chairpersons and vice chairperson of the standing committee are terminated if:
a) his/her powers of a Deputy have terminated in cases prescribed by Article 12 of this Law;
b) s/he resigns from the faction having nominated him for the position of the chairperson of the standing committee in the manner prescribed by Paragraph 3 of Article 14 of this Law;
c) s/he resigns in the manner prescribed by Paragraph 4 of this Article.
(Amended by the LA-182 dated 23.10.2008)
4. The chairperson of the standing committee submit his/her resignation officially to the Chairperson of the National Assembly, who makes it public at the next sitting of the National Assembly. If, within a period of 3 days after the resignation has been made public, the resigning person:
a) withdraws his/her resignation, then the Chairperson of the National Assembly notifies the National Assembly thereof at the upcoming sitting;
b) does not withdraw his/her resignation, it is considered accepted.
5. The draft resolution of the National Assembly on the early termination of the powers of the chairperson of the standing committee is submitted to and discussed by the National Assembly in the manner prescribed by paragraph 7 of Article 97 of this Law. (Supplemented by the LA–69 dated 24.12.2004)
6. The resolutions of the National Assembly on electing a chair person of the standing committee and on the early termination of his/her powers are adopted by secret ballot, by the majority vote of the Deputies participating in the voting if more than half of the total number of Deputies have participated in the voting. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
7. The chairperson and the vice chairpersons of the ad-hoc committee, the heads of sub-committees and working groups are elected by the decision of a particular committee.
7.1. If the candidate nominated by a faction is not elected as vice chairperson of the standing committee, then new elections are held in the course of which the faction that has such a right may nominate a new candidate.
(Supplemented by the LA-182 dated 23.10.2008)
7.2. If a faction does not nominate a candidate as vice chairperson of a standing committee, then the right to nominate a candidate in a particular position is conferred on the faction having the biggest factor at the beginning of counting the factions’ factors in the manner prescribed by Article 1.1 of this Article.
(Supplemented by the LA-182 dated 23.10.2008)
8. The chairperson of the committee:
a) prepares and presides over the sittings of the committee;
b) convenes an extraordinary sitting of the committee;
c) submits to the committee the draft agenda of the sitting of the committee for approval;
d) coordinates the activities of sub-committees and working groups;
e) ensures the implementation of the decisions of the committee;
e.1) represent the committee (Supplemented by the LA – 113 dated 30.04.2009)
f) processes and responds to requests addressed to the committee;
g) supervises the work of the experts (specialists) of the committee; (Amended by the LA -111 dated 26.02.2007);
h) invites specialists for taking part in discussions at the sittings of committees, sub-committees and working groups; (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
i) notifies the committee of the course of implementation of the decisions of the committee; (Supplemented by the LA – 111 dated 26.02.2007);
j) coordinates the work of the committee with other committees and the staff; (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007).
9. In case of absence of the chairperson of the committee or vacancy for the latter’s position, s/he is substituted for by his/her deputy, and, if this is impossible, upon the decision of the committee by an authorized member.
Article 27. Procedure for Convening the Sittings of Committees
1. Normally the regular sittings of standing committees are convened according to the defined term by the decision of the National Assembly. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007, LA-60 dated 26.05.2008, LA 111 dated 19.03.2012, LA-174 dated 13.09.2012)
2. The regular sittings of ad hoc committees are convened on the dates appointed by the committee but not less than once per week.
3. ,The extraordinary sitting of the committee is convened by the initiative of its chairperson or at least one third of its members within the timeframe set by the initiator.
It is prohibited in the course of a sitting of the National Assembly to convene a committee sitting. (Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
4. The sittings of the committee take place in the building of the National Assembly. A sitting of the committee may be held in another place by the decision of the committee, whereon the chairperson of the committee notifies the Chairperson of the National Assembly in advance.
5. The draft agenda of a committee sitting is drawn on the basis of the draft laws and resolutions conferred on it as a lead committee and put into circulation, adopted in the first or second reading, as well as issues proposed by committee members regarding the competence of the committee. (Supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
Article 28. Procedure for Holding Sittings of Committees
1. Committee sittings are public, except for the cases prescribed by this Law.
2. Besides Deputies, an in camera committee sitting may be attended by the President of the Republic, his/her permanent and authorized representatives in the National Assembly, the Prime Minister, his/her authorized representative, as well as persons invited by the decision of the committee. Voting at an in camera sitting of the committee is prohibited. (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30. 04.2009)
3. A public sitting of the committee, in addition to the persons indicated in Paragraph 2 of this Article, may be attended by the experts of the Budget Office, the heads of the staff
structural subdivisions, the employees of the public relations department, the experts (specialists) of the committee, factions and deputy groups, the aids of Deputies and other
persons invited by the chairperson of the committee and prescribed by the law. (Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004; amended and supplemented by the LA-111 dated
26.02.2007, supplemented by the LA-17 dated 25.03.2015)
4. The authors of a document have a right to participate in the discussion of a draft or recommendations thereon at the sitting of the committee.
5. A notice is issued to the authors of issues included in the draft agenda of the committee sitting, the Deputies who have submitted proposals on these issues, other interested bodies and public officials at least 3 days prior to the discussions. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
Article 29. The Procedure for Organizing Discussions and Adopting Decisions in Committee Sittings
1. A committee sitting is competent if at least 1/4 of the total number of committee members are present (registered) at the sitting, and it is presided over by the chairperson of the committee or, in the case prescribed by Paragraph 9 of Article 26 of this Law, his/her deputy or the committee member authorized by the decision of the committee (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
2. The sitting starts with the adoption of the agenda. Other issues are not discussed prior to the adoption of the agenda.
2.1. Issues are discussed at the sitting in the following sequence:
a) the speech of the main reporter;
b) questions to the main reporter ;
c) the speech of the co-reporter;
d) questions to the co-reporter;
e) exchange of ideas;
e.1) the final speech of the co-reporter (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007);
f) the final speech of the main reporter;
g) voting (Supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
2.2 The motion on establishing a special procedure for debate on an issue at the National Assembly is submitted by the author (main reporter) or a member of the committee and voted after the voting of the committee on the issue. (Supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
2.3 The voting on each of the issues at a sitting is held immediately after the termination of the discussion of the issue. (Supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
3. The voting at a sitting is held only upon the recommendation of the members of a given committee. The issue put to the vote is the motion on submitting a positive conclusion about the discussed issue to the National Assembly. If, as a result of voting, the motion does not get enough votes for adoption, or no such motion is made, then it is considered that the committee has not submitted a positive conclusion on the issue to the National Assembly. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
4. Any member of the committee may refuse to participate in the voting.
5. The decisions of the committee are adopted by the majority vote of those committee members who participated in the voting if at least 1/4 of the total number of committee members have voted for the decision. (Amended and supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
5.1 (5.1 part became invalid as amended by the LA-171 dated 13.09.2012)
6. The protocol of the sitting, which also includes the nominal results of voting of all issues discussed at the committee sitting, is signed by the chairperson of the committee. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
Article 30. The Lead Committee
1. The lead committee is the committee designated by the Chairperson of the National Assembly from among the standing or ad hoc committees in the manner prescribed by this Law. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
2. The representative of the lead committee makes a supplementary report presenting the conclusion of the committee on the issue at the time of its debate at the sitting of the National Assembly.
2.1. If at least one-third of the members of the lead committee having taken part in the voting are against the committee's conclusion after the voting and have a special opinion on, then their representative may take the floor with a supplementary report during the debate of the issue at the sitting of the National Assembly presenting their special opinion on the conclusion of the committee.
The extract of the minutes of the committee sent to the Chairperson of the National Assembly indicates the initiative of the committee members to present a special opinion. (Supplemented by the LA-182 dated 23.10.2008).
3. Before the draft law is included in the draft agenda of the four-day sittings, the lead committee may take a decision on considering it as an alternative to the draft law regulating the same sphere and to be included or already included in the agenda of four-day sittings but not yet discussed.
4. The lead committee may render a conclusion on postponing the inclusion of draft of a law, package of laws or resolution of the National Assembly in the agenda of a regular session or four-day sittings upon the recommendation of the author (main reporter), and, in case of his/her absence, a committee member. (Amended 24.12.2004 LA -69)
5. If the inclusion of an issue in the agenda of the regular session or four-day sittings of the National Assembly has been postponed upon the conclusion of the lead committee and by the resolution of the National Assembly, then this issue:
a) is included in the agenda of the lead committee upon the written request of the author (main reporter);
b) on the next day following the expiry of the period of deferral is removed from circulation within the National Assembly if prior to the date of expiry of the period of deferral the author does not apply in writing to the lead committee. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012)
Article 30.1. Inquiries of the Committee
By its decision the committee may make inquiries to the bodies of public administration and local self government, public officials, institutions and organizations on drafts of legislative acts and other issues submitted for its discussion. The latter must:
a) examine the written inquiry of the committee and respond in writing within a 20-day period;
b) notify the committee in writing on the examination of the issue raised no later than three days prior to the discussion. (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
Article 30.2. The Procedure for Submitting Conclusions on Certain Issues to the National Assembly
1. In accordance with Article 73 of the Constitution and by a resolution, the National Assembly may assign the preliminary discussion of certain issues to one of the standing committees, setting the deadline for submitting the conclusion of the discussion to the National Assembly.
2. The National Assembly debates the conclusion by a special procedure submitted by the committee and established by the National Assembly. (Supplemented by the LA-181 dated 07.10.2009)
Article 31. Joint Meetings of Committees
Committees may hold joint meetings, in which decisions by each committee are adopted on an individual basis.
Article 32. Parliamentary Hearings
1. At least once in each regular session, committees shall organize parliamentary hearings on issues related to their areas, notifying the Chairperson of the National Assembly thereof. (Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004, LA-174 dated 13.09.2012)
2. The date, hour and place of the hearings, as well as the list of speakers and invitees are approved by the decision of the committee. The date of the hearings must not coincide with the date of a sitting of the National Assembly. (Amended by the LA-174 dated 13.09.12.2012)
3. Information on organizing a hearing is disseminated to the mass media at least three days prior to the date of the hearing.
4. The hearings are held according to the procedure approved by the committees having organized them.
5. The hearings are held by the chairpersons of the committees having organized them or, in the case prescribed by Paragraph 9 of Article 26 of this Law, their deputies or, if this is impossible, the committee member authorized by the decision of the committee. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
6. The committee organizing the hearing may prepare materials, summarizing the results of the hearing (written speeches, proposals, conclusions, memos and other information submitted on the subject of the hearing), which may be made public by the recommendation of the committee upon the consent of the Chairperson of the National Assembly. (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
7. In the case prescribed by Sub-Paragraph ‘c.2’ of Paragraph of Article 18, the parliamentary hearing is held in the manner prescribed by the Chairperson of the National Assembly. (Supplemented by the LA-41 dated 08.04.2010)
Article 33. Participation of Deputies in Committee Sittings
1. If it is impossible for a committee member to attend sittings and parliamentary hearings s/he gives advance notice to the chairperson of the committee. (Amended by LA-174 dated 13.09.2012)
2. Within a period of 10 days following the end of each month, the chairperson of the committee submits to the Chairperson of the National Assembly a memo on the absence of Deputies from committee sittings and the parliamentary hearings, organized by the committee during that month. This memo is made public at the first sitting of the forthcoming four day sittings of the National Assembly. (Amended by LA-174 dated 13.09.2012)
Article 34. Convocation of the First Session
1. The first session of the newly elected National Assembly is convoked following the election of at least two thirds of the total number of Deputies, on the third Thursday, and in case of extraordinary elections to the National Assembly, on the second Thursday, at 10.00 a.m., which is announced by the Central Electoral Commission (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.20)
2.Prior to the election of the Chairperson of the National Assembly, the sittings of the National Assembly are presided over by the eldest Deputy of the National Assembly.
3. The President of the Republic and the Catholicos of All Armenians have a right to a welcome speech at the opening of the first session of the National Assembly.
4. After the welcome speech Deputies take an oath worded as follows:
"To achieve the national goals and to strengthen and develop our homeland
I swear to fulfill in good faith the obligations I have before the nation, to observe the Constitution and the laws of the Republic of Armenia, to contribute to the sovereignty and protection of the interests of the Republic of Armenia, to do everything to maintain civil solidarity and protect the national and universal values."
The Deputies joining the National Assembly later take the oath at the sitting of the National Assembly. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
5. After the oath of the Deputies, the officer presiding over the sitting introduces the Deputies by reading out the full name of each Deputy, the number of his/her constituency or the name of the party or bloc of parties, following which the deputies are registered in the manner prescribed by this Law.
6. The officer presiding over the sitting announces the agenda of the first session, including:
a) the election of the returning committee;
b) the election of the Chairperson of the National Assembly;
c) the election of the Vice Chairpersons of the National Assembly;
c1) the approval of the number, names and areas of action of the standing committees of the National Assembly; (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012)
d) the election of the chairpersons of standing committees;
e) ‘Sub-Paragraph ‘e’ became ineffective as amended by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012)
f) approval of the Government Program (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
7. 1,5-hour sittings are conducted every day from 10:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m. until issues indicated in Sub-Paragraphs ‘a-d’ of the agenda are exhausted. A half an hour break is announced after each sitting. The duration of the second break is one hour. The date of the sitting designed for the discussion of the issue ‘f’ of the agenda is announced by the Chairperson of the National Assembly, or, if s/he is not elected, by the officer presiding over the sitting. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012)
7.1. In the period of convening the first session of the National Assembly standing committees are established in the manner prescribed by Paragraph 3 of Article 21 of this Law, as well as an ethics committee is set up in the manner prescribed by Article 24.1 of this Law. Following the completion of the establishment of the committees the Chairperson of the National Assembly makes a statement about that in a sitting of the National Assembly. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012)
8. The first session is closed by the concluding speech of the Chairperson of the National Assembly and by an announcement on the date of convocation of the next session.
9. In the period between the first and second sessions of the National Assembly seminars related to the activities of the National Assembly may be held for the Deputies upon the recommendation of the Deputies. (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04. 2009)
Article 35. Procedure for Convening Regular Sessions
1. The regular sessions of the National Assembly are convened twice a year, from the second Monday of September to the second Thursday of December, and from the first Monday of February to the second Thursday of June. (Supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004, amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007 and by the LA-70 dated 12.04.2011)
1.1. The regular session is held starting from the opening day of the session through four-day sittings convened once in three weeks, the convocation date of which may, upon the proposal of the Chairperson of the National Assembly and by the resolution of the National Assembly be changed to another Monday of the regular session of the same convocation except for cases foreseen by Paragraph 1.3 of this Article. If the transferred date of the four-day sittings or the other day coincides with a holiday or a commemoration day, then no sittings are convened on that day. (Supplemented by the LA-70 dated 12.04.2011)
1.2 The Chairperson of the National Assembly may make the proposal prescribed by Paragraph 1.1 of this Article prior to the date of convocation of the transferred four-day sittings. The draft resolution of the National Assembly on transferring the date of the convocation of the four-day sitting is put to the vote immediately after the proposal of the Chairperson of the National Assembly without discussion. (Supplemented by the LA-70 dated 12.04.2011)
1.3. The date of convocation of the four-day sitting may not be transferred if an issue, having a deadline for discussion by the Constitution or foreseen by Sub-Paragraphs ‘c,’ ‘e’ or ‘h’ of Article 36 of this Law is to be included in the draft agenda of the sitting. The date of convocation of the four-day sitting may be transferred no more than twice in the course of the regular session of the same convocation.
The transferred date of convocation of the four-day sitting must not coincide with:
a) the date of convocation of the next four-day sitting if that date is not transferred and will not be transferred either;
b) the date of convocation of an extraordinary or special sitting initiated before adopting the resolution of the National Assembly on transferring the date of convocation of the four-day sitting if that special or extraordinary sitting is not to be convened from 18.30 to 24. (Supplemented by the LA-70 dated 12.04.2011)
2. The four-day sittings are held from 12:00 to 18.00, with each sitting lasting an hour and a half. A half an hour break is announced after each sitting. The duration of the first break for all days of sittings is one hour. (Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004; amended by the LA-70 dated 12.04.2011)
3. On every Tuesday of the four-day sitting starting at 17.00 Deputies may make up to 3-minute statements in the order of registration. Furthermore, first the floor is given to the 3 registered Deputies from opposition factions, followed by the remaining registered Deputies. If necessary, the officer presiding over the sitting may prolong the sitting for 30 minutes. The video recording of the sitting is broadcast in full on the next day by the TV Company, which has won the tender in the manner prescribed by Paragraph 2.1 of Article 112 of this Law. (Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004; supplemented by the LA-182 dated 23.10.2008; amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
3.1. The interpellations of factions and Deputy Groups are discussed at the second sitting on each Wednesday of the four-day sitting of the regular session in the manner prescribed by Article 105.1 of this Law. If there are no interpellations or if the discussion terminates, other issues of the agenda are discussed. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
4. At the last sitting on each Wednesday of the four-day sitting of the regular session the Prime Minister and the Members of the Government answer the questions raised by Deputies in the manner prescribed by Article 105 of this Law. On the same day the video recording of the sitting is broadcast in full by the television company foreseen by Paragraph 2.1 of Article 112 of this Law immediately after the broadcasting of the statements of the Deputies. (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
4.1. At the second sitting on the Tuesday of each second four-day sittings in a regular session a draft law or resolution of the National Assembly, considered extraordinary by an opposition faction is discussed in the manner prescribed by Article 104.2 of this Law, and in the absence thereof or in case the debate is over at the same sitting, other issues on the agenda are discussed. (Supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004,, amended by the LA-182 dated 23.10.2008)
4.2. If the discussion of all issues included in the agenda of the four-day sitting is completed, or if the discussion of the last issue on the agenda is interrupted until the next four-day sitting:
a) prior to the end of the four-day sitting, prescribed by paragraph 4 of this Article, no other issues are discussed and the four-day sitting is considered to be over at the end of that sitting;
b) after the sitting prescribed by Paragraph 4 of this Article, then the four-day sitting is considered to be over.(Supplemented by the LA-182 dated 23.10.2008)
5. Sittings of the regular session are not held on holidays and commemoration days. Holidays and commemoration days are removed from the calculation of the terms defined by this Law, except for cases envisaged by the Constitution. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
Article 36. The Draft Agenda of the Regular Session
1. The draft agenda of the regular session includes the draft laws or packages of draft laws, draft resolutions of the National Assembly and other issues prescribed by law that have been put into circulation by the set procedure.
2. The draft agenda of the regular session, as well as the drafts on making amendments to them comprise three parts:
a) issues whereof the lead committee has submitted a positive conclusion;
b) issues whereof the lead committee has not submitted a positive conclusion;
c) issues to be considered on a mandatory basis and as of necessity.
3. Issues to be considered on a mandatory basis and as of necessity are the issues:
a) that have a deadline for discussion as prescribed by the Constitution or laws;
b) (Sub-Paragraph ‘b’ became ineffective as amended by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012);
c) of impossibility by the President of the Republic to exercise his/her powers;
d) on discussing the laws returned by the President of the Republic with his/her objections and recommendations;
e) the recommendation of the President of the Republic on declaring amnesty;
f) having a deadline for discussion as determined by the National Assembly;
g) included in the agenda of the previous regular session;
h) on giving a consent on arresting a Deputy, involving him/her as an accused and instituting a motion on subjecting him/her to administrative liability through judicial procedure; (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
i) on ratification, suspension or invalidation of international treaties of the Republic of Armenia; (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
j) on holding elections for the vacant positions of the Chairperson of the National Assembly, Vice Chairpersons of the National Assembly and chairpersons of standing committees;
ja) on elections, appointments to positions and termination of powers (dismissal) in cases prescribed by Articles 83, 83.1, 83.2, 83.3, 83.4, 103 of the Constitution and Law; (Amended and Supplemented by the LA -111 dated 26.02.2007)
jb) on discussing interpellations (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
jc) issues considered extraordinary by the opposition factions in the manner prescribed by Article 104.2 of this Law. (Supplemented by the LA-182 dated 23.10.2008)
Article 37. The Draft Agenda of the Four-Day Sitting
1. The draft agenda of the four-day sitting may only include issues that are included in the agenda of the regular session.
2. The draft agenda of the four-day sittings comprises three parts:
a) issues whereof the lead committee has submitted a positive conclusion;
b) issues whereof the lead committee has not issued a positive conclusion;
c) issues to be considered on a mandatory basis or as of necessity.
3. The issues to be considered on a mandatory basis and as of necessity on the agenda of the four-day sitting are the issues:
a) indicated in Paragraph 3 of Article 36 of this Law, except for the issue indicated in Sub-Paragraph ‘g’;
b) not fully resolved in the previous four-day sittings;
c) included in the agenda of the previous four-day sitting but not yet discussed;
d) (Sub-Paragraph ‘d’ became ineffective as amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
e) (Sub-Paragraph ‘e’ became ineffective as amended by the LA-113 dated)
f) (Sub-Paragraph ‘f’ became ineffective as amended by the LA-113 date 30.04.2009)
Article 38. The Procedure for Discussing the Agendas of the Regular Session and the Four-Day sittings
1. The first sitting of the regular session starts with the discussion of draft resolutions of the National Assembly on approving the agendas of the session and the current four-day sitting.
2. The four-day sitting starts with the discussion of the draft resolutions of the National Assembly on making supplements to the agenda of the regular session, as well as on approving the agenda of the current four-day sitting.
3. The draft resolutions of the National Assembly on approving the agenda of the regular session, on making amendments thereto and on approving the agenda of the four-day sitting are discussed separately.
4. The Chairperson of the National Assembly has 20 minutes for presenting the draft agendas of the regular session, of making supplements thereto, and of the four-day sitting.
5. Questions are posed in the manner prescribed by Article 57 of this Law.
6. Exchange of opinions takes place in the manner prescribed by Article 58 of this Law with the following difference:
a) the speaker, except for one author of the issue included in the agenda, speaks over the microphone within 2 minutes;
b) the representatives of factions and deputy groups are given up to 2 minutes for making speeches;
c) (Sub-Paragraph ‘c’ became ineffective. (Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
7. Paragraph 7 became ineffective. (Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
8. The discussion of the draft agenda of the regular session or the draft on making supplements to it ends with the concluding speech of the Chairperson of the National Assembly of up to 5 minutes, whereby s/he, based on the results of the discussion and at his/her discretion puts to the joint vote;
a) the issue of postponing the inclusion of issues or part of them in the draft agenda of the regular session or the draft on making supplements to it, in case of adoption of which the remaining issues, while in case of non-adoption – the issues on postponing the inclusion of all issues into the draft agenda of the regular session and the draft of making supplements to it are voted separately.
If the draft resolution of the National Assembly on postponing the inclusion of a draft law or draft resolution of the National Assembly on the agenda of the regular session or in the draft on making supplements to it does not get sufficient votes for adoption, then the draft law or draft resolution of the National Assembly is included in the second part of the draft agenda of the regular session or in the draft on making supplements to it.
b) the issue of including the issues or part of them in the first part of the draft agenda of the regular session or of the draft on making supplements to it in the agenda of the regular session, in case of adoption of which the remaining issues of the first part and all the issues of the second part of the draft agenda of the regular session or of the draft on making supplements to it, and in case of non adoption – all the issues of first and second parts are voted separately.
If the draft resolution of the National Assembly on including a draft law or a draft resolution of the National Assembly in the agenda of the regular session as a result of the voting does not get sufficient votes for adoption, then the draft law or resolution of the National Assembly is withdrawn from circulation. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
9. The discussion of the draft agenda of the four-day sitting ends with the concluding speech of the Chairperson of the National Assembly of up to 5 minutes, whereby s/he, based on the results of the discussion, and at his/her discretion puts to a joint vote.
a) the issue of postponing the inclusion of issues or part of them in the draft agenda of the four-day sittings, in case of adoption of which, the remaining issues on postponing the inclusion in the draft agenda of four-day sittings are discussed separately.
If as a result of the voting the draft resolution of the National Assembly on postponing the inclusion of a draft law or resolution of the National Assembly in the draft agenda of the four-day sitting does not get enough votes for adoption, the draft law or resolution of the National Assembly is included in the second part of the agenda of the four-day sitting.
b) the issue on including the issues of the first part of the draft agenda of the four-day sitting or part of them in the agenda of the four-day sitting, in case of adoption of which the remaining issues of the first part of the draft agenda of the four-day sitting, and all the issues of the second part of the agenda and in case of non adoption – all the issues of the first and second parts of the draft agenda are put to the vote separately.
If the draft resolution of the National Assembly on including a draft law or resolution of the National Assembly in the agenda of the four-day sitting does not get enough votes as a result of the voting, the draft law or resolution is withdrawn from circulation. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
10. Issues listed in Paragraph 3 of Article 36 of this Law are included in the agenda of the regular session, while issues listed in Paragraph 3 of Article 37 of this Law are included in the agenda of the four-day sitting without voting unless otherwise prescribed by this Law.
11. (Paragraph 11 became invalid as amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
12., The staff provides the Deputies in the session hall of the National Assembly with the drafts of agendas and supplements thereto, as well as the drafts of issues included in these agendas at least 2 hours prior to the first sitting of the four-day sittings.
Article 39. The Procedure for Convening an Extraordinary Session
1. An extraordinary session of the National Assembly is convened by the Chairperson of the National Assembly on the initiative of the President of the Republic, of at least one third of the total number of Deputies or on the initiative of the Government.
The extraordinary session is held according to the agenda and in the timeframe defined by the initiator. (Amended by the LA -111 dated 26.02.2007)
2. In case of convening an extraordinary session on the initiative of the President of the Republic or the Government, the agenda of that session and the drafts of issues included in it are sent to the Chairperson of the National Assembly by the initiator. (Amended and supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
3. The Deputies’ initiative of convening an extraordinary session is carried out by duly signing the form provided by the staff, and submitting it to the Chairperson of the National Assembly. The form contains the agenda and the timeframe for holding the extraordinary session. The drafts of the issues in the agenda are attached. The form cannot be amended after it has been submitted to the Chairperson of the National Assembly. If the form is submitted to the Chairperson of the National Assembly within 24 hours after its receipt and with the signatures of the required quantity, the latter convenes an extraordinary session by the agenda and within the timeframe set by the initiator, at the same time sending the drafts of the issues on the agenda to the President of the Republic and the Government. In case of failure to submit the form to the Chairperson of the National Assembly within the set timeframe, it is considered invalid. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
4. An extraordinary session may not be held in the period of the regular session. (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30. 04. 2009)
5. The extraordinary session is considered closed after the agenda has been exhausted or on the date of convocation of the regular session, as well as upon the proposal of the representative of the initiator (s.) (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30. 04. 2009)
6. Unless otherwise stipulated by the resolution of the National Assembly, the extraordinary session is held in the following manner:
a) 4 sittings for the duration of one hour and a half are held on each day of the session;
b) a break for the duration of half an hour shall be announced after each sitting;
c) the duration of the second break is one hour.
7. The draft of the resolution indicated in Paragraph 6 of this Article may be submitted to the person presiding over the sitting by the representative of the initiator(s) of the extraordinary session, and put to the vote without discussion.
(Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12. 2004)
Article 40. The Procedure for Discussing Issues at the Extraordinary Session
1. The draft of a law or resolution of the National Assembly may be removed from the agendas of the extraordinary session, the regular session and the four-day sitting by the recommendation of the author (main speaker) or in other cases prescribed by this Law. The author (main speaker) has a right to make this recommendation at any time, and it is passed without voting.
2. If the agenda of the extraordinary session includes issues on discussing the same issue by several readings, then prior to their discussion, the National Assembly discusses the draft resolution of the National Assembly on the special procedure for the discussion of those issues, submitted by the initiator(s), which foresees at least 3 hours for submitting recommendations related to the draft law or package of drafts,.
(Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04. 2009)
3. The recommendations on the draft law or package of drafts, adopted by the first reading according to the special procedure prescribed by Paragraph 2 of this Article are submitted officials to the author (the main speaker) and the lead committee. (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
Article 41. The Procedure for Convening an Extraordinary Sitting
1. The extraordinary sitting is convened by the Chairperson of the National Assembly on the initiative of the President of the Republic, of at least one third of the total number of Deputies or of the Government. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
2. The initiative of the President of the Republic or the Government on convening an extraordinary sitting includes the agenda of the extraordinary session, the date for holding it and the drafts of issues on the agenda. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
3. The initiative of the Deputies to convene an extraordinary sitting is carried out by duly signing the form provided by the staff and submitting it to the Chairperson of the National Assembly. The form contains the agenda envisaged for the extraordinary sitting, the date for its holding, as well as the drafts of the issues on the agenda enclosed. The form may not be amended after it has been submitted to the Chairperson of the National Assembly. If the form containing the signatures of at least one third of the total number of Deputies is submitted to the Chairperson of the National Assembly within 24 hours after its receipt, the latter convenes an extraordinary sitting in accordance with the agenda and within the timeframe defined by the initiator, sending the drafts of issues on the agenda to the President of the Republic and the Government. In case of failure to submit the form to the Chairperson of the National Assembly within the set timeframe, it is considered invalid. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
4. The extraordinary sitting is conducted during the regular session. If within the frame of the four-day sittings, an extraordinary sitting may be held from 6:30 p.m. to midnight. The extraordinary sitting closes following the completion of the discussion of the issues on the agenda.
5. Unless otherwise stipulated by the resolution of the National Assembly, the extraordinary sitting shall be held in the following manner:
a) 4 sittings, each for the duration of one hour and a half, are held each day of the sitting, and 3 sittings - on the days of four-day sittings;
b) a break for the duration of half an hour is announced after each sitting;
c) the duration of the second break is one hour, except for the days of four-day sittings.
6. The draft of the resolution indicated in Paragraph 5 of this Article may be submitted to the person presiding over the sitting by the representative of the initiator(s) of the extraordinary sitting, and put to the vote without a discussion. (Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
7. The draft law or resolution of the National Assembly may be removed from the agendas of the extraordinary sitting, regular session and four-day sittings by the recommendation of the author (main speaker) or in other cases prescribed by this Law. The author (main speaker) has a right to make that recommendation at any time, and it is passed without voting.
8. If the agenda of an extraordinary sitting contains issues on discussing the same draft law by several readings, then prior to their consideration the National Assembly discusses the draft resolution of the National Assembly submitted by the initiator(s) on the special procedure for the discussion of that draft law, and 3 hours are allotted for presenting proposals regarding the draft law or package of drafts, adopted by the first reading.
(Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007, supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30. 04. 2009)
9. Proposals regarding the draft law or package of drafts, adopted by the first reading based on a special procedure prescribed by Paragraph 8 of this Article shall be officially presented to the author (main reporter) and the lead committee. (Added by the LA-113 dated 30.04. 2009)
Article 42. Special Sittings
1. Where the President of the Republic declares about the use of the armed forces, martial law or a state of emergency, a special sitting is immediately convened by the force of law. (Amended by the LA dated 26.02.2007)
1.1. If there is no quorum within 3 hours following the promulgation of the decree of the President of the Republic, the sitting starts irrespective of whether there is or there is no quorum. (Supplemented by the LA-108 dated 21.03.2012)
2. The draft resolution on declaring war, the issue of using the armed forces and the program of activities for declaring martial law or a state of emergency are included in the agenda of the special sitting without voting and discussed. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007 LA)
3. The measures aimed to ensure the legal regime of the state of emergency are discussed in the manner prescribed by Article 55 of this Law with the following exceptions:
1) the President of the Republic or his/her representative makes the main speech;
2) no supplementary speeches are made;
3) the discussion ends with the closing speech of the President of the Republic or his/her representative without adopting any documents.
(Supplemented by the LA-108 dated 21.03.2012)
Article 43. Public and In Camera Sittings
1. The sittings of the National Assembly are public.
2. An in camera sitting may be convened by the resolution of the National Assembly.
3. Dissemination of information other than the official report on the content of an in camera sitting is prosecuted by law.
4. Voting is prohibited at an in camera sitting.
5. It is prohibited to bring into the session hall photo technology, cameras and video equipment, means of radio and telecommunication, as well as audio and data processing equipment during an in camera sitting, except for the telephone installed in the hall.
6. The shorthand notes of an in camera sitting are under the regime of keeping classified documents.
7. Besides Deputies, an in camera sitting may be attended by the President of the Republic, the permanent and plenipotentiary representatives of the President of the Republic in the National Assembly, the Prime Minister, his/her authorized representative authorized, the Chairperson of the Constitutional Court, the Members of the Government, the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Armenia (hereinafter: the Prosecutor General), the Chairperson of the Cassation Court of the Republic of Armenia, the Chairperson of the Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia (hereinafter: the Central Bank), the Chairperson of the Control Chamber, the Chief of the staff and the staff members designated by him/her to providing the servicing of the sitting, as well as persons invited by the officer presiding over the sitting. (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
8. Besides the persons indicated in paragraph 7 of this Article, a public sitting may also be attended by the heads of structural subdivisions of the staff, the advisers and assistants of the Chairperson and Vice Chairpersons of the National Assembly, experts (specialists) of standing Committees, factions and deputy groups, journalists accredited in the National Assembly, staff members designated by the chief of staff ensuring the media coverage the sitting, as well as persons invited by the presiding officer and the relevant lead committee. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
9. Special seats are designated at the sitting hall of the National Assembly for the President of the Republic, his/her permanent and plenipotentiary representatives, the Prime Minister, the Chairperson of the Constitutional Court, the Members of the Government, the Chairperson of the Control Chamber and the invited persons. (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
10. Only the drafts of issues included in the agenda and the documents submitted with them may be distributed in the session hall during the sitting.
11. Using cellular phones and other means of communication in the session hall during the sitting is prohibited, except for the telephone installed in the session hall.
Article 44. Registration of the Deputies for the Sitting of the National Assembly
1. The first sitting of the day, extraordinary sittings, and those indicated in Sub-Paragraph ‘a’ of Paragraph 5 of this Article start with the registration of Deputies upon the announcement of the presiding officer. Non-registered Deputies are registered upon their request.
2. A Deputy is registered personally. The registration is equal to voting, and the absence of a Deputy from it may be considered unjustified in the manner prescribed by Article 99 of this Law.
3. The registration of Deputies is carried out electronically within 10 seconds. In case the system is out of order, the registration is carried out by the return committee.
4. The sitting is competent if more than half of the total number of Deputies are duly registered (which means that there is quorum) (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
4.1 The number of registered deputies is always shown on the lightboard. (Added by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
5. If the sitting is not competent, then the registration continues until there is quorum but not more than 3 hours. If within the indicated timeframe:
a) there is quorum, the presiding officer notifies the Deputies about the beginning of the sitting;
b) there is no quorum, the sittings of that day are considered cancelled.
Article 45. Procedure for Presiding over the Sitting of the National Assembly
1. The presiding officer:
a) opens, interrupts and closes the sitting;
b) determines the sequence of discussing the issues on the agenda, and prior to the discussion of every issue, notifies about the next 3 issues; (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
c) gives the floor to the speakers; (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
d) organizes the registration of Deputies, queuing, organizes voting and announces the results thereof;
e) coordinates the work of the staff members servicing the sitting;
f) takes the actions prescribed by Paragraph 3 of this Article against any Deputy disturbing the order;
g) interrupts the speeches for restoring the regular order of the sitting;
h) removes the invited persons disturbing order from the sitting hall;
i) performs other powers defined by this Law.
2. Person who disturbs the order is that Deputy who, during the sitting registers or votes for an absent Deputy, who prevents a Deputy from freely taking advantage of the opportunity of voting, who, during the sitting, makes noise, insulting expressions, does not execute the orders of the presiding officer of the National Assembly that derive from this Law, or takes other actions breaching the procedure defined by this Law. (Supplemented by the LA-404 dated 03.07.2002, Amended by the LA - 44 dated 16.03.2016)
2.1 Persons who disturb the order are those Deputies or other persons present at the sitting of the National Assembly who, during the sitting make noise, insulting expressions, do not execute the orders of the presiding officer that derive from this Law, or take other actions breaching the procedure defined by this Law. (Supplemented by the LA-33 dated 16.03.2016)
3. The presiding officer takes the following disciplinary measures against the disturbing Deputy:
a) warning by announcing his/her name and surname;
b) switching off the microphone;
c) depriving him/her of the right to speak over the microphone during one sitting;
d) prohibiting from being present in the hall at all sittings until the end of that day;
e) depriving him/her from the right to be present in the session hall for up to 6 days, except for the days when no sittings are convened; (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
The disciplinary measures prescribed in the first part of this Paragraph are normally applied by the presiding officer from the less strict to the stricter.
The disciplinary measure prescribed in Sub-Paragraph ‘e’ of the first part of this Paragraph may be applied if the disciplinary measure prescribed in Sub-paragraph ‘d’ of the first part of this Paragraph has already been applied, and the Deputy has not done it of his/her own free will.
Where the Deputy does not obey the disciplinary measure prescribed in Sub-Paragraph ‘e’ of the first part of this Paragraph, the presiding officer assigns its implementation to the security of the National Assembly. (Amended by the LA-404 dated 03.07.2002)
4. If there is a disturbance at the sitting, and the presiding officer is not able to restore the normal process of the sitting, s/he may interrupt the sitting for up to half an hour.
5. If after resuming the sitting the disturbance continues, the presiding officer declares the sitting closed. (Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
Article 46. The Shorthand Records of the National Assembly Sittings
1. The shorthand records of the sittings of the National Assembly are provided by the staff.
2. The shorthand records of the public sittings may be published. (Amended and supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
3. Within 10 days following the end of the four-day sittings, extraordinary session and extraordinary sitting, the shorthand and audio records thereof are sent to the library of the National Assembly and posted in the website of the National Assembly (www.parliament.am.), and after 30 days they are transferred to the archive of the National Assembly. (Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004,, supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007, amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
4. Each person making a speech at the sitting of the National Assembly has a right to review the shorthand record of his/her speech and check its accuracy within 30 days in the library of the National Assembly.
5. The speaker may correct the technical inconsistencies in the shorthand record of his/her speech only upon the permission of the Chairperson of the National Assembly.
CHAPTER 6
PROCEDURE FOR SUBMITTING A MOTION IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Article 47. The Right of Legislative Initiative
1. In conformity with Article 75 of the Constitution, the right of legislative initiative in the National Assembly belongs to the Deputies and the Government.
2. The right of legislative initiative is exercised through the submission of a draft law or package of drafts to the National Assembly for debate.
3. The package of drafts includes:
a) the proposed draft law,
b) other draft laws to be adopted related to the adoption of the law,
4. Attached to the draft law or package of drafts proposed by the Government are submitted:
a) Justification for the adoption of a legal act, including information on these legal acts, as well as, at the discretion of the author of the draft, information about the materials, based on which, or using which the draft of a normative legal act has been developed as well as the names of the authors of the draft;
b) memo on the absence of any necessity to adopt other laws related to the adoption of the law, as well as on the necessity or absence of any necessity to adopt other normative acts;
c) the conclusions of the experts assessing the impact;
d) a summary of the comments and recommendations on the draft and on its adoption or non-adoption along with the justification of the reasons for non-adoption. Furthermore, the summary includes the comments and recommendation which have been adopted as a result of public deliberations.
Attached to the draft law or package of drafts submitted by a Deputy are submitted:
a) Justification for the adoption of a legal act, including information on these legal acts, as well as, at the discretion of the author of the draft, information about the materials, based on which, or using which the author has developed the draft of the normative legal act, as well as the names of the authors of the draft;
b) certificate on the absence of any necessity to adopt other laws related to the adoption of the law in question. (Amended by the LA-225 dated 02.12. 2008)
4.1. When submitting the draft law on the state budget to the National Assembly in the manner prescribed by Paragraph 2 of Article 79 of this Law:
1) the budget address of the Government is considered the conclusion foreseen by Sub-Paragraph 3 of Paragraph 4 of this Article;
2) the summary foreseen by Sub-Paragraph 4 is not submitted, while the comments and recommendations submitted in the course of the debates and accepted by the Government are included in the summary submitted to the National Assembly in the manner prescribed by Paragraph 1 of Article 84 of this Law. (Supplemented by the LA-93 dated 18.05. 2010)
4.2. If the requirement of a norm prescribed by the draft law can be fulfilled only through the adoption of a resolution or other legal act of the Government foreseen by that draft or, if its fulfillment is conditional on the adoption of another legal act, then in the memo of justification of the adoption of the legal act attached to the draft law proposed by the Government, and in case of a draft law proposed by the Deputy, the following are indicated in the conclusion submitted in the manner prescribed by Sub-Paragraph ‘a’ of Paragraph 1 of Article 51 of this Law;
1) the parts of the draft law, which will come into force once the resolution of the Government or another legal act enters into force.
2) The term foreseen for the adoption of a Government resolution or another legal act.
(Supplemented by the LA-205 dated 07.12.2010)
5. A memo is attached to the draft law on making amendments and supplements to the law including the article of the current law subject to amendment.
6. It is not allowed to include provisions on making amendments or supplements to various laws.
Article 48. The Right to Submit a Draft Resolution of the National Assembly
In cases stipulated by the Constitution and (or) this Law the right to propose a draft resolution of the National Assembly belongs to the Deputy if neither the Constitution nor this Law prescribe otherwise.
Article 49. The Resolutions on the Organization of the Activities of the National Assembly
In order to organize its activities, the National Assembly may, in cases foreseen by this Law, adopt the following resolutions:
a) on the approval of the agendas of the regular session, the four-day sittings and on making amendments to them;
b) on the approval of the procedure of an extraordinary session or sitting;
c) on the special procedure for a debate on a motion,
d) on permission for speeches of persons invited to take the floor;
d.1) on either live or video (audio) recorded broadcast of the sittings over the television and radio company (television company, radio company), which has won the tender foreseen by Paragraph 2.1 of Article 112 of this Law ; (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
e) (Sub-Paragraph ‘e’ became ineffective as amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
f) on changing the place of holding a sitting of the National Assembly;
g) on holding a in camera sitting of the National Assembly;
h) on interrupting the debate on an issue for up to one-hour; (Supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
i) on postponing the inclusion of a motion in the agenda of a regular session or four-day sitting. (Supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
j) on repeating the voting of the motion. (Added 24.12.2004 LA -69)
ja) on debating the laws on making amendments and supplements to laws in three readings. (Supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004: amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
jb) on changing the terms set for submitting a motion for the second and third readings. (Supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
jc) on returning the debate of the motion to the stage of submission of recommendations. (Supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
jd) on submitting recommendations concerning an interpellation to the competent public administration bodies and public officials. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
je) on re-appointing the date of the convocation day of the four day sittings of the regular session of the National Assembly. (Supplemented by the LA-70 dated 12.04.2011)
jf) on approving the regular schedule of the regular sittings of the standing committees. (Supplemented by LA-174 dated 13.09.2012)
Article 50. The Procedure for Putting Forward a Draft Law
1. The draft law is deemed put forward in the National Assembly when, in conformity with the requirements of Article 47 of this Law, it submitted to the Chairperson of the National Assembly either officially or on an electronic carrier or by e-mail.
2. If several Deputies put forward a draft law, one of them acts as the author (the main speaker) in the debate at the National Assembly (the letter on putting forward a draft indicates the name of the main speaker). If the powers of the author (the main speaker) as a Deputy are terminated, the course of any further debate on the draft law in the National Assembly is determined in the manner prescribed by Paragraphs 2-6 of Article 53 of this Law. (Supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
Once a draft law has been circulated and at any stage of its debate, each of the authors of the draft law may quit the group of the Deputies having put forward the draft, notifying the Chairperson of the National Assembly in about it in writing, with the latter announcing about it before the debate of the draft law at the sitting of the National Assembly. (Supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
3. The Government puts forward a draft law or package of draft laws by a decision, which includes:
a) the documents referred to in Article 47 of this Law;
b) the full name of the authorized representative of the Government acting as the main speaker;
c) if necessary, the conclusion of the Government on either the reduction or increase of revenues of the state budget. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
Article 51. The Procedure for Circulating a Draft Law
1. The Chairperson of the National Assembly, within a two-day period, circulates the proposed draft or package of drafts, by sending it to:
a) the Government (if the author is a Deputy), addressed to the Prime Minister and to the staff for the latter to submit their conclusions on the draft law or the package of draft laws to the Chairperson of the National Assembly in a 20-day period,
b) committees, appointing the lead committee from among them, which in a 30-day period but not earlier than the receipt of the conclusions of the Government or the staff or the expiry of the deadline for receiving thereof, submits its conclusion on the draft or package of drafts included in the agenda of the regular session delivering the relevant excerpt from the minutes of the committee meeting to the Chairperson of the National Assembly. (Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
c) factions and Deputy groups (Supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
1.1 If the deadline prescribed by Sub-Paragraph ‘b’ of Paragraph 1 of this Article expires prior to the Monday of the four-day sittings, then the deadline is considered to be expired 2 hours prior to the first sitting of the forthcoming four-day sittings. (Supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
2. The conclusion of the staff specifies the results of the expert examination on the conformity of the draft law to the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, the principles and norms of international law, the international treaties ratified by the Republic of Armenia, the laws and the rules of legislative technique, which, in accordance with the requirements of Article 47 of this Law, also include the list of the laws and resolutions of the National Assembly to be adopted in connection with the adoption of the draft,, or a memo on the absence of the necessity of the adoption of such laws and resolutions of the National Assembly. (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
3. If necessary, the conclusion of the Government also includes a conclusion on the reduction of the revenues and increase of the expenditures of the state budget. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
4. If the Government fails to submit a conclusion on the draft law put forward by a Deputy within the set timeframe, then it is considered that it does not reduce the revenues or increase the expenditures of the state budget (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
5. The conclusions of the Government and the staff, within 24 hours following their receipt, are sent to the standing committee and the author (main speaker.) (Amended by the LA-113 dated 26.02.2007 and by the LA –113 dated 30. 04. 2009)
6. (Paragraph 6 became ineffective as amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
7. The lead committee submits its conclusion on the draft law or package of drafts included in the agenda of the four-day sittings at least 2 hours prior to the first of the four-day sittings, at the same time adopting a decision on considering the draft as alternative, and sends the relevant excerpt from the minutest of the meeting of the committee to the Chairperson of the National Assembly.
8. The draft or package of drafts law in circulation is included in the agenda of the regular session or four-day sitting in the manner prescribed by Article 54 of this Law. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
9. A draft law or package of draft may be withdrawn from circulation, including from the agenda of regular session and (or) four-day sittings upon the written proposal of the author (authors) or in other cases prescribed by this Law. The author (authors) has a right to submit that proposal to the Chairperson of the National Assembly or the presiding officer any time, and it is accepted immediately. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
Article 52. The Procedure for Putting forward and Circulating a Draft Resolution of the National Assembly
1. The written text of the draft resolution of the National Assembly is officially submitted to the Chairperson of the National Assembly or, in special cases, to the officer presiding over a sitting.
2. (Paragraph 2 became ineffective as amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007 LA -111)
3. If not otherwise prescribed by this Law, the Chairperson of the National Assembly circulates the draft within a two-day period among:
a) the staff, which, within a 20-day period, submits its conclusion to the Chairperson of the National Assembly on the draft,
b) the committees, appointing the lead committee from among them, which, within a 30-day period but not earlier than of the conclusion from the staff or the expiry of the deadline set for the latter, submits his/her conclusion on the draft included in the agenda of the regular session sending the relevant excerpt from the minutes of the committee meeting to the Chairperson of the National Assembly. (Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
c) factions and deputy groups. (Supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
3.1. If the deadline set in Paragraph 3 of this Article expires prior to the Monday of the four-day sitting, then the deadline is considered to have expired 2 hours before the first sitting of the forthcoming four-day sitting (Supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
4. The lead committee submits a conclusion on the draft resolution of the National Assembly included in the agenda of the four-day sitting at least 2 hours prior to the first sitting, sending the relevant excerpt from the minutes of the committee meeting to the Chairperson of the National Assembly. (Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
5. The circulated draft resolution of the National Assembly that is in circulation is included in the agenda of the regular session or the four-day sitting in the manner prescribed by Article 54 of this Law (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
5.1. The draft resolution of the National Assembly may be withdrawn from circulation, including from the agenda of the regular session and (or) four-day sitting upon the written proposal of the author (authors) or in other cases prescribed by this Law. The author (authors) has (have) a right to submit that proposal to the Chairperson of the National Assembly or the presiding officer any time, and it is accepted immediately. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
6. The draft resolution of the National Assembly submitted upon the initiative of at least one third of the total number of the Deputies is included in the agenda of the regular session and that of the forthcoming four-day sitting without voting and is debated in an extraordinary manner.
7. The initiative set forth in Paragraph 6 of this Article is implemented by duly signing the form received from the staff and submitting it to the National Assembly. The relevant draft resolution of the National Assembly is attached to the form. After the form is submitted to the Chairperson of the National Assembly it cannot be changed. If within 24 hours after the receipt the form is submitted to the Chairperson of the National Assembly with the signatures of at least one third of the total number of the Deputies, the draft of the relevant resolution of the National Assembly is included in the agendas of the regular session and the first of the four-day sittings and discussed in an extraordinary manner. In case of failure to submit the form in due time, it is considered to be invalid.
Article 53. Draft Laws, Debates on which have not been Completed by the National Assembly of the Previous Convocation
1. Within a 7-day period after the first session the staff submits to the Chairperson of the National Assembly the draft laws discussed and passed the first and second readings by the previously convened National Assembly indicating the authors and the lead committees in a memo attached.
2. Within a four-day period the Chairperson of the National Assembly sends the aforementioned draft laws to the Government and the relevant Standing Committees. The Committees and the Government discuss the draft laws within a 30-day period and submit their conclusions to the Chairperson of the National Assembly on whether it is reasonable to discuss these draft laws during in a regular reading. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012)
3. Upon the assignment of the Chairperson of the National Assembly and within a 7-day period from the moment it receives the conclusions, the staff provides the Deputies with the aforementioned conclusions and the relevant draft laws.
4. If the author of the draft law is either the Government or a Deputy re-elected to the newly convened National Assembly, and in case the author submits the given draft law within a 60-day period following the completion of the first session, the draft is included in the agenda of the four-day sittings for debate in the regular reading in the manner prescribed by Article 54 of this Law.
5. If the author of the draft law is a Deputy of the National Assembly of the former convocation, and in case one of the newly-elected Deputies expresses in a 60-day period following the completion of the first session a desire to act as the author of the draft, the latter, as stipulated in the procedure of Article 54 of this Law, is included in the agenda of the four-day sittings for debate in the regular reading.
6. The law adopted by the National Assembly of the former convocation and returned by the President of the Republic is, in the manner prescribed by Article 73 of this Law, be discussed in the newly elected National Assembly upon the submission of the Lead Committee appointed by the Chairperson of the National Assembly.
Article 54 The Schedule of Including Draft Laws in the Agenda of the Regular Session and Four-Day Sittings
1. If no other procedure is foreseen by this Law, a draft law or resolution of the National Assembly is included in the agenda of the regular session upon the conclusion of the Lead Committee but no later than a 30 day period following its circulation, or a 40-day period in case of the Constitution or amendments thereto or the draft laws for referendum . (Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004, by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
2. The draft law or resolution of the National Assembly put forward by a Deputy or is included in the agenda of the four-day sittings upon the conclusion of the Lead Committee no later than 60 days after having been included in the agenda of the regular session if no other procedure is foreseen by this Law or no other schedule is set up by the resolution of the National Assembly. (Added 26.02.2007 LA -111)
2.1. If the deadlines defined by Paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article expires before the Monday of the four-day sittings, then the deadline for including a law or resolution of the National Assembly in the agenda of the regular session or in the draft of making amendments to it is considered expired 2 hours before the first sitting of the forthcoming four-day sittings. (Supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
3. The draft law put forward by the Government or resolution of the National Assembly is included in the agenda of the four-day sitting upon the conclusion of the Lead Committee. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
4. The act of including a draft law, package of drafts or resolution of the National Assembly in the agenda of the regular session or four-day sitting may upon the conclusion of the Lead Committee be postponed by the decision of the National Assembly. (Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
CHAPTER 7
PROCEDURE FOR DEBATES ON MOTIONS IN THE SITTING OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Article 55. The Procedure for Debate on a Motion
1. Except for the cases foreseen by Paragraph 6 of Article 34, by Paragraph 1 of Article 39, by Paragraph 4 of Article 41 and by Paragraph 2 of Article 42 of this Law no other issues is discussed in the National Assembly prior to the approval of the agenda.
2. Issues foreseen by Paragraph 3 of Article 36, (except for Sub-Paragraphs "g" and "i") and Sub-Paragraph “b” of Paragraph 3 of Article 37 of this Law, as well as the issues included in the agenda of the four-day sitting and not debated during the three regular sessions are to be discussed in an extraordinary manner. The Chairperson of the National Assembly takes a decision on the sequence of the discussion of all other issues on the agenda of the four-day sittings, while its initiator or the representative of the latter decides that of the extraordinary session. (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
3. In conformity with Article 75 of the Constitution, the Government may set the sequence of the debate on the draft laws submitted by it and demand that they be put to the vote only with acceptable corrections. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
3.1. The debate on a motion commences with the announcement by the presiding officer of the motion, as well as the full names of the speakers. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
4. If no other procedure is foreseen by this Law, debate on draft laws or packages of drafts, draft resolutions of the National Assembly and other motions foreseen by laws is debated in the following sequence:
a) speech of the main speaker,
b) questions to the main speaker, and his/her answers,
c) report of the co-speaker,
d) questions to the co-speaker, and his/her answers,
e) exchange of opinions,
f) final speech of the co-speaker,
g) final speech of the main speaker,
h) voting.
(Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
5. The author of the motion acts as main speaker while the representative of the Lead Committee acts as co-speaker.
If the President of the Republic does not appoint any other authorized representative, then in cases foreseen by Articles 73, 78, 90 and 93 of this Law the permanent representative of the Republic in the National Assembly acts as the main speaker. (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
5.1 All representatives of the committees of the National Assembly may speak for up to 20 minutes in the sequence set by the Chairperson of the National Assembly and after the representative of the Lead Committee, presenting the conclusion of the Committee on the motion (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
5.2. In the case foreseen by Paragraph 2.1 of Article 30 of this Law, the representative of the members of the Lead Committee may make a supplementary report after the representatives of the Committees, with no right to a final speech. (Supplemented by the LA-182 dated 23.10.2008)
6. If the author (the main speaker) of the draft law is a Deputy, then the person authorized by the Prime Minister is entitled to make a supplementary report after the representatives of the Committees, and make a final speech before their final speech. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007).
7. If there is a break during the debate on a motion, the discussion is taken further after the break from the point it was interrupted.
8. In conformity with the procedure stipulated by Article 56 of this Law, however no more than twice, a Deputy is entitled to make a speech on the procedure of moderation. In the course of a debate the Deputy is entitled to a minute’s time to clarify the misunderstanding resulting from his/her comments.
9. In the course of a debate:
a) up to 20 minutes are envisaged for speeches,
b) up to 3 minutes for questions,
c) up to 10 minutes for speeches,
d) up to 12 minutes for the speeches of the representatives of factions, deputy groups, and final speeches.
e) up to 1 minute for comments on the procedure of moderation. (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
10. Following final speeches, only the President of the Republic has a right to an extraordinary speech.
11. Before the start of his/her final speech or upon the recommendation made in the course of that speech by the author (the main speaker) and upon the resolution of the National Assembly, an hour’s break may be taken. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
12. The motion rejected after the vote of the National Assembly is removed from circulation, from the agendas of the four-day sittings and the regular session, extraordinary session or extraordinary sitting, if this Law or resolution of the National Assembly does not envisage another procedure. (Amended and Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
Article 56. Comments on the Procedure for Presiding over the Sitting
1. A Deputy makes comments on the procedure for presiding over the sitting after the announcement of the presiding officer on the microphone, before and after the voting and before the speech on the next motion.
2. In his/her speech on the procedure for chairing the sitting, the Deputy is entitled to:
a) make a proposal on adopting the resolution laid down by Article 49 of this Law (except for clauses “a,” “c,” “d, ” “h, ” “i,” “j,” “ja,” “jb,” “jc,” “je” and “jf”) which is instantaneously put to the vote; (Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004, LA-70 dated 12.04.2011)
b) make comments on the procedure for presiding over the sitting,
c) make a proposal on restoring the voting results on the monitor and make remarks on the violations during voting, (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30. 04.2009)
d) refute comments made in relation to his/her own person,
e) make an objection in the case envisaged by Paragraph 1 of Article 70 of this Law.
3. The Deputy is entitled to make comments on the issues listed in Paragraph 2 of this Article during his/her speech.
Article 57. The Procedure for Questions
1. In order to ask questions Deputies register by the electronic system within 10 seconds. In case of a breakdown of the system, Deputies are registered by the officer presiding over the sitting.
2. The progress of the registration by the electronic system is shown on the monitor.
3. Questions are asked on the microphone in the order of registration upon the announcement of the officer presiding over the sitting who also pronounces a reminder to the next person in the queue.
3.1. The Chairperson of the National Assembly and the presiding officer of the sitting have the right of giving extraordinary questions during the questions’ session. (12.04.2011 LA - 70)
3.1. While asking questions the Chairperson of the National Assembly and the officer presiding over the sitting have a right to ask questions out of turn. (Supplemented by the LA-70 dated 12.04.2011)
4. The Deputy absent from the hall looses the chance to ask a question.
5. The officer presiding over the sitting is entitled to switch the microphone off if there is an argument between the Deputy asking a question and the speaker.
6. No questions are asked to the speaker in the course of exchange of opinions.
7. A Deputy asks questions to each speaker only once, with the exception of the case foreseen by Paragraph 3.1 of this Article. (Supplemented by the LA-70 dated 12.04.2011)
Article 58. The Procedure for the Exchange of Opinions
1. Opinions are exchanged in the following order:
a) speeches of Deputies,
b) speeches of the representatives of factions and deputy groups.
2.The President of the Republic, the Chairperson of the National Assembly, the Vice Chairpersons and the Prime Minister are entitled to make an extraordinary speech during the exchange of opinions for an unlimited period of time, as well as the Government members in the manner prescribed by Paragraph 8 of this Article.
3. The persons invited to the debate of an item are given the floor upon the recommendation of the Lead Committee or the officer presiding over the sitting and by a resolution of the National Assembly.
4. In order to make speeches Deputies are within ten seconds, registered by the electronic system. In case of a breakdown of the system Deputies are registered by the officer presiding over the sitting.
5. The speakers make speeches from the rostrum in the order of registration and upon the announcement of the officer presiding over the sitting who issues a reminder to the next speaker. Deputies absent from the hall lose the opportunity to make a speech.
6. The leaders or the secretaries of factions and deputy groups submit the full name of their representatives to the officer presiding over the sitting in writing on behalf of the faction and the deputy group.
7. The requests for speeches of representatives of factions and deputy groups are submitted before the end of the speeches of the Government members and registered deputies. The order of speeches to be made by the representatives of factions and deputy groups is determined on the basis of the number of their members: from the lowest to the highest number.
8. Before the speeches of the representatives of factions and deputy groups the members of the Government have, upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister, a right to three extraordinary speeches.
Article 59. The Special Procedure for Debate on a Motion
1. Upon the proposal of the author (main speaker) and the lead committee, the National Assembly is entitled to set a special procedure for the debate of a motion.
2. No special procedure may limit the number of Deputies asking questions and the speakers, or limit the time foreseen for speeches or questions as prescribed by this Law.
3. The author (the main speaker)introduces the aforementioned procedure in his/her report and the National Assembly takes the relevant decision without any discussion whatsoever.
Article 60. Adoption of a Law, Resolution, Address and Statement of the National Assembly (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
1. The laws, resolutions, addresses and statements of the National Assembly with the exception of the cases foreseen by the Constitution, are passed by the majority of votes of the Deputies, participated in voting when more than a half of the total number of Deputies take part in voting. The resolution is adopted by open voting. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
2. In cases foreseen by this Law, resolutions of the National Assembly are adopted by secret ballot.
3. The Government may put forward a motion on confidence in relation to a draft law passing the first and second readings or its adoption as a law (in the course of any reading). In this regard and immediately after voting, the Prime Minister or the authorized representative of the Government may ask for a break until the next sitting for orientating on the motion of confidence in the Government with respect to the adoption of the draft law. If immediately after the break the Prime Minister puts forward the motion of confidence in the Government in relation to the adoption of the draft law and no draft resolution on no confidence in the Government is submitted in the manner prescribed by Article 107 of this law or the aforementioned draft resolution is submitted but not approved, then the draft law is considered passed the relevant reading or adopted as a law.
4. In conformity with Article 75 of the Constitution, the Government may raise the motion of confidence in relation to a draft law submitted by themselves no more than twice during the same session.
5. Only drafts delivered to the Deputies at least one hour prior to the discussion and duly discussed are put to the vote in the National Assembly if this Law foresees no other procedure.
6. The resolution of the National Assembly enters into force on the basis of the law or when published within the period and in the manner prescribed by the law. The resolution on the organization of activities of the National Assembly enters into force immediately after it is adopted if no other schedule is foreseen in the aforementioned resolution.
7. Addresses and statements are adopted in the manner prescribed for the adoption of resolutions of the National Assembly. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
Article 61. The Procedure for Open Voting
1. The officer presiding over the sitting announces the approximate time of voting, and before voting the officer presiding over the sitting also announces all the proposals to be put to the vote, clarifying their formulations, while in cases laid down by Paragraph 1 of Article 60 of this Law, and stipulated in the Constitution, also reminds the number of votes necessary for the adoption of the decision. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
2. The open vote takes place by the electronic system within 10 seconds after the announcement of the officer presiding over the sitting. If there is a breakdown of the system, the return committee counts the votes.
3. Upon the request of the leaders or secretaries of factions and deputy groups a 20-minute break may be taken before voting.
4. The voting starts after a signal. It is prohibited to speak to the officer presiding over the sitting prior to the end of voting.
5. The Deputy votes in person either in favour, against, abstention or refuses to participate in the voting foreseen by the Sub-Paragraphs “d” and “e” of Paragraph 3 of Article 99 of this Law. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
6. After voting the results of voting are left on the monitor for 10 seconds following which the presiding officer announces the results of voting. (Amended by the LA-69 24.12.2004)
7. The results of voting are restored on the monitor if proposed by a Deputy in his/her speech on the procedure of moderation. If there are breaches influencing the results of voting as revealed by the presiding officer, the voting of that issue is repeated by the proposal of the presiding officer. (Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
8. The results of voting in favour, against, abstention or not voting cannot be challenged or changed after the announcement on passing or not passing a resolution by the presiding officer. (Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
Article 62. The Procedure for Secret Voting
1. The return committee organizes secret voting on the basis of the list of Deputies present (and duly registered) in the sitting, which are provided by the staff.
2. The voting papers are prepared under the oversight of the return committee in the manner and number foreseen by the latter.
3. The voting papers indicate the questions or list in the alphabetical order the full names of the proposed candidates that have not raised self-refusal.
4. In case there is one candidate or item in the ballot, it must indicate the words "For" and "Against."
5. The list of questions or candidacies is delivered to the return committee by the officer presiding over the sitting of the National Assembly.
6. The time, place and procedure for secret voting is determined by the return committee with a notice to the Deputies of the National Assembly during the sitting.
7. The return committee hands the ballots over to the Deputy after the latter signs the list.
8. The Deputy checks the ballot in the booth for secret voting, leaving in it the name of the candidate s/he is voting for and checking the names of the rest. In case of one candidate or item, the Deputy crosses the word "against" (if s/he is voting for the candidate) or the word "for" (if s/he is voting against the candidate).
9. Within 30 minutes after the end of voting the return committee opens the box of secret voting and starts counting the votes.
10. A voting paper is considered invalid if the model of the ballot is unidentified, as well as when more than the set number of candidates are left or if both "for" and "against" are checked in case of only one candidate or item, as well as when other notes are made on it.
11. Minutes are taken on the results of the secret ballot and signed by the members of the return committee.
12. The return committee makes a presentation on the results of secret voting at the sitting of the National Assembly on the basis of which the presiding officer announces the adoption of the resolution and the election of the candidate in case of elections.
Article 63. The General Procedure for Debate on a Draft Law
1. The draft law passes three readings in the National Assembly if this Law stipulates no other procedure.
2. Draft laws on making amendments and addenda are debated in two readings in conformity with Paragraphs 2, 3, 4 and 5 of Article 72 of this Law if upon the proposal of the author (main speaker) or the lead committee and by a resolution of the National Assembly it is not foreseen that the draft law must be debated in three readings. The aforementioned draft resolution is presented before starting a debate on the draft law in the first or second reading and it is put to the extraordinary vote out of turn. (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
Article 64. The First reading of the Draft Law
1. The draft law or package of drafts is put to debate in the first reading in the manner prescribed by Article 55 of this Law.
2. In his/her final presentation the author (the main speaker) may amend the draft law by removing articles or a draft law while amending the package of drafts, with the exception of the proposed draft and may propose:
a) to adopt the draft law or package of drafts by the first reading,
b) to postpone the debate at the stage of voting until the end of the next four-day sitting in order to make the relevant amendments to the draft law or package of drafts, which is considered as adopted without voting.
3. If upon the recommendation of the author (the main speaker) the debate on the motion is postponed at the stage of voting, then it is taken further with a 10-minute speech of the author (the main speaker), where s/he may suggest that the draft law or package of drafts is adopted by the first reading.
4. If the proposal made by the author (the main speaker,) under Sub-Paragraph “a” of Paragraph 2 or Paragraph 3 of this Article fails to obtain the relevant number of votes, then the motion is removed from circulation. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
5. The draft law or the package of drafts passed the first reading is within a 7-day period sent to the President of the Republic, the Government, the standing committees, factions, deputy groups and the staff and posted on the website of the National Assembly. (Supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004, Amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
Article 65. The First Reading of Alternative Draft Laws
1. The draft laws included in the agenda of the four-day sittings, and considered alternative in relation to each other are debated by the first reading consecutively in the manner prescribed by Article 64 of this Law with the following difference: the debate on the draft law or package of drafts at the stage of voting can be postponed until the end of the next four-day sitting only by the written consent of the authors of other alternative drafts or draft packages at the same time.
2. If more than two alternative draft laws are put to the vote and none of them acquires the necessary number of votes, then a second stage of voting takes place where the two drafts that received the most votes are put to the vote.
3. If two draft laws are put to the vote and neither obtains the relevant number of votes, then the draft which received the most number of votes is put to the vote once again.
4. If more than one of the draft laws obtain the relevant number of votes for the first reading, then the one, which has obtained more votes "in favour," is considered adopted.
5. If more than one draft laws obtain relevant and equal number of votes in the first reading, then the one, which has obtained fewer votes “against,” is considered adopted.
6. The draft alternative law, discussed and not passed in the first reading by the National Assembly, is removed from circulation. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
Article 66. Proposals on the Draft Law or the Package of Drafts Passed the First Reading
1. The right to make proposals on the draft law or package of drafts having passed the first reading belongs to Deputies and the Government.
2. Within a 14-day period following the receipt of the draft law or package of drafts having passed the first reading and if no other deadline has been set by the resolution of the National Assembly, or the issue on debating the draft law or package of drafts for the second reading is not included in the agenda of the extraordinary session or sitting prior to the expiry of the set deadline for the submission of proposals, the proposals on the draft law or package of drafts are officially submitted to the staff, which within a 24-day period, delivers them to the author (the main speaker) and the lead committee. (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
3. The proposal on a draft law includes the number of the relevant article and the proposed amendment and (or) supplement.
Article 67. The Second Reading of the Draft Law
1. Within 30 days following the expiry of the deadline for submitting proposals on the draft law or package of drafts having passed the first reading, the author (the main speaker) submits to the lead committee the draft law or package of drafts amended in conformity with acceptable proposals, attaching to it the bulletin including all the proposals submitted in the manner prescribed by Article 66 of this Law, as well as a memo on the amendments made in the draft upon his/her initiative in which the following is mentioned in the order of the articles:
a) the author of the proposal (amendment, supplement);
b) the article, paragraph, the sub-paragraph, to which the proposal (amendment, supplement) refers to;
c) the proposal (the amendment, supplement)
d) the author’s (main speaker’s) conclusion on the proposal.
2. The amendments and supplements made to the draft law having passed the first reading is made with a font different from the font of the text of the draft.
3. The proposals on which the author (the main speaker) expressed a positive opinion in the bulletin is obligatorily included in the draft law or package of drafts, submitted for the second reading.
4. Within a 14-day period after receiving the documents indicated in Paragraph 1 of this Article the lead committee submits, apart from its conclusion and the memo, to the Chairperson of the National Assembly the final version of the draft law and package of drafts, which are included in the agenda of the regular four-day sittings for the second reading.
41. If the defined term in the 4th paragraph of this Article expires up to the Monday of the four-day sittings the term is considered finished two hours before the first sitting of the upcoming four-day sittings. (Added 24.12.2004 LA-69)
5. The deadlines set in this article may be changed upon the proposal of the author (the main speaker) or the lead committee and by a resolution of the National Assembly, which foresees at least 3 hours for the submission of the proposals on the draft law or package of drafts, having passed the first reading, if the Constitution and the law foresee no other procedure.
Article 68. Adoption by the First Reading of the Amendments to the Draft Law or Package of Drafts Adopted by the First Reading
1. If a draft law submitted for the second reading is supplemented by an article, or if the package of drafts is supplemented by a draft law, or an article was withdrawn from the draft or a draft was withdrawn from the package of drafts or in conformity with the conclusion of the lead committee, the content of the article or draft law, having passed the first reading has been completely amended, then the second reading starts after the debate of the supplemented or fully amended article or the draft law by the first reading in the manner prescribed by Article 64 of this Law. (Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
Article 69. The Second Reading of the Draft Law
1. The second reading of the draft law or package of drafts starts in the manner prescribed by Article 55 of this Law with the following exception:
a) the authors of the proposals included in the bulletin have the right to ask questions to the speakers. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
b) (Sub-Paragraph ‘b’ became ineffective as amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
c) (Sub-paragraph ‘c’ became ineffective as amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
2. In his/her final speech on the draft law or package of drafts the author (the main speaker) may propose that the draft law or package of drafts:
a) be adopted by the second reading,
b) to postpone the debate on the issue at the stage of voting until the end of the next four-day sitting with a view to amending it in the manner prescribed by Paragraph 3 of this Article, which is considered adopted without voting.
3. The author (the main speaker) may include or withdraw the proposals in the bulletin with the following exception:
a) the draft law or package of drafts may not be supplemented by an article or a draft law not having passed the first reading,
b) (Sub-Paragraph ‘b’ became ineffective as amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
A new bulletin drawn in the manner prescribed by Article 67 of this Law is attached to the draft law or the package of drafts submitted to voting.
4. The debate resumes with an up to 10-minute speech of the author (the main speaker), where s/he may suggest that the draft law or package of drafts be adopted by the second reading.
5. If in conformity with Sub-Paragraph "a" of Paragraph 2, or Paragraph 4 of this Article, the proposal of the author (the main speaker) fails to obtain the relevant number of votes, the draft law is removed from circulation or upon the proposal of the author (the main speaker) and without an additional debate, all proposals listed in the bulletin are put to the vote in the manner prescribed by Article 70 of this Law with the exception of those adopted in the manner prescribed by Article 68 of this Law. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
6. The author (main speaker) may speak for up to 3 minutes after voting on the proposals in the bulletin and suggest that the debate (on the issue of including the proposals adopted by voting be included in the agenda), be postponed until the end of the next four-day sitting, after which it is considered adopted without voting.
7. The debate resumes with an up to 3-minute speech of the author (the main speaker) where s/he may suggest the draft law or package of drafts to be adopted by the second reading. If as a result of voting, the proposal fails to obtain the relevant number of votes, the draft law is removed from the circulation. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
8. The draft law or package of drafts passed for the second reading is, within a 7-day period, sent to the President of the Republic, the Government and the standing committees. (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
Article 70. Procedure for Putting the Proposals in the Bulletin to the Vote
1.If there is no objection by any Deputy, the proposals on which the author (the main speaker) has given a positive conclusion, are not put to the vote.
2. The proposals are put to the vote in the following sequence:
a) to remove the draft law from the package of drafts;
b) to supplement the package of drafts with a draft law;
c) to fully annul the article;
d) to supplement the draft law with an article;
e) to partially annul the article;
f) to make an amendment to the text,
g) to make a supplement to the text.
3. The controversial proposals submitted on one and the same article of the draft law are put to the vote on a competitive basis in the manner prescribed by Article 65 of this Law.
4. The proposal, which contradicts the adopted proposal, is not put to the vote.
5. If the proposals indicated in Sub-Paragraphs "b" and "d" of Paragraph 2 of this Article succeeds in obtaining the relevant number of votes they pass the first reading.
Article 71. Submission of the Draft Law for the Third Reading
1. Within a 30-day period following the second reading, the lead committee may make editorial changes to the draft jointly with the author (the main speaker), which, however, must not change the meaning of the adopted text and submit it to the Chairperson of the National Assembly.
11. If the deadline set by Paragraph 1 of this Article expires before the Monday of the four-day sitting, the deadline is considered completed 2 hours before the first sitting of the forthcoming four-day sitting. (Supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
2. The bulletin of the amendments is attached to the draft law or package of drafts submitted for the third reading, which lays down as follows in the order of the articles:
a) the amended article, paragraph, sub-paragraph;
b) the previous text of the article, paragraph, sub-paragraph;
c) the new text of the article, paragraph, sub-paragraph.
3. After submission to the Chairperson of the National Assembly the draft law is included in the draft agenda of the regular four-day sitting for the third reading.
4. The deadlines set in this Article may be changed upon the proposal of the author (the main speaker) or the lead committee and by the resolution of the National Assembly if no other procedure is stipulated in the Constitution and the law.
Article 72. Debate on the Draft Law for the Third Reading
1. In the course of the debate on the draft law or package of drafts for the third reading the representative of the lead committee and the author (the main speaker) speak for up to 10 minutes each.
2. The author may suggest that the draft law or drafts included in the package of drafts are adopted as a law. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
3. If the proposal indicated in Paragraph 2 of this Article fails to obtain the relevant number of votes, then immediately after voting the author (the mains speaker) may speak for up to a 5 minutes and suggest that by a resolution of the National Assembly, the debate on the draft law or package of drafts is returned to the stage of submission of proposals as prescribed by Article 66 of this law.
4. If the proposal indicated in Paragraph 2 of this Article fails to obtain the relevant number of votes and the author (the main speaker) has not made the proposal indicated in Paragraph 3 or it was submitted but not adopted, then the draft law is removed from circulation. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
5. The Chairperson of the National Assembly sends, within a 10-day period, the adopted law to the President of the Republic who, within a 21-day period following its receipt, signs and promulgates it or returns it to the National Assembly with objections or proposals.
Article 73. Debate on the Laws Returned by the President of the Republic
1. The law returned by the President of the Republic is included in the agendas of the regular session and the forthcoming four-day sitting and debated out of turn.
2. The Chairperson of the National Assembly sends, within a 24-hour period, the law returned with the President’s objections and proposals to the relevant lead committee, which submits its conclusion to the Chairperson of the National Assembly at least two hours prior to the first four-day sitting of the regular session.
3. If the President of the Republic has not fully objected to the adoption of the law, then the law returned with objections or proposals is discussed in the manner prescribed by Article 55 of this Law. The main reporter is the representative of the President of the Republic and the co-reporter is the representative of the lead committee.
4. In the course of the exchange of opinions Deputies are entitled to make proposals only on the proposals made by the President of the Republic submitted in conformity with Paragraph 5 of Article 72 of this Law.
5. In his/her final speech the representative of the President of the Republic may propose:
a) to adopt the law in the form acceptable for the President of the Republic,
b) in order to finalize the law in line with the comments of the President of the Republic, to postpone the debate at the stage of voting until the beginning of the next four-day sitting, which is considered adopted without voting.
6. If upon the proposal of the representative of the President of the Republic the debate on the motion is postponed, then it is resumed with an up to 3-minute speech of the representative of the President of the Republic, where s/he may suggest that the law be adopted in the final form in line with the comments of the President of the Republic.
7. If the President of the Republic has objected to the adoption of the law, the representatives of the President and the lead committee make final speeches, following which the motion on accepting the objections made by the President of the Republic is put to the vote.
8. If the issues put to the vote in the manner prescribed by Sub-Paragraph “a” of Paragraph 5, Paragraph 6 or Paragraph 7 of this Article fails to obtain the relevant number of votes, then in conformity with Article 72 of the Constitution, the law, which was returned to the National Assembly is once again adopted by the majority of votes of the total number of deputies and sent to the President of the Republic, who, within a 5-day period, signs and promulgates it.
CHAPTER 9
THE PROCEDURE FOR DEBATE OF THE DRAFTS OF THE CONSTITUTION OR AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION OR A DRAFT LAW TO BE ADOPTED BY REFERENDUM
Article 74. Submission of the Drafts of the Constitution or Amendments to the Constitution or the Laws Adopted by Referendum and Holding a Referendum
1. In conformity with Article 111 of the Constitution, the Constitution is adopted or amended by referendum upon the initiative of the President of the Republic or the initiative of the National Assembly.
2. The right to put forward a motion to the National Assembly on holding a referendum on a draft law belongs to Deputies and the Government.
3. Resolutions of the National Assembly on putting forward a motion on holding a referendum for adopting or amending the Constitution are adopted by the majority of votes of the total number of deputies.
4. The referendum on adopting the Constitution or the Law on the Amendments to the Constitution are held in conformity with the procedure stipulated in the Constitution and the Law.
Article 75. Requirements to Drafts of the Constitution or Amendments to the Constitution and Laws Adopted by Referendum
1. The drafts of the Constitution or amendments to the Constitution include:
a) the justification for adopting the Constitution or making amendments to the Constitution
b) the draft of the Constitution or amendments to the Constitution,
c) the draft resolution of the National Assembly on the proposal or on giving a consent on referendum on the adoption of the Constitution or amendments to the Constitution.
2. The draft law on which a referendum is to be held includes:
a) the justification for holding a referendum on the adoption of the law,
b) the draft law, on which a referendum is to be held,
c) other drafts to be adopted in relation to the adoption of the law by referendum,
d) (Sub-Paragraph “d” has become ineffective, amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
e) draft resolutions of the National Assembly on making a proposal or agreeing on the issue of a referendum on the adoption of the law,
f) a proposal on adopting other relevant laws by referendum together with the main law or a memo on the absence of the need for such a proposal.
3. A memo is attached to the draft of the Constitution or the amendments thereto stating the amended article of the Constitution or the Law.
Article 76. The Procedure for Holding a Debate on the Drafts of the Constitution or Amendments to the Constitution or the Law on Which a Referendum is to be Held in the National Assembly
1. The initiative of the President of the Republic on the adoption of the Constitution or constitutional amendments includes:
a) the documents listed in Paragraphs 1 and 3 of Article 75 of this Law,
b) the full name of the authorized representative of the President of the Republic acting as the main speaker.
2. The proposal of the Government on holding a referendum on a draft law is implemented by the decision of the Government and includes:
a) the documents listed in Paragraphs 2 and 3 of Article 75 of this Law,
b) the full name of the authorized representative of the Government acting as the main speaker,
c) if necessary, the conclusion of the Government on reducing the revenues and increasing the expenditures of the state budget. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
3. The draft of the Constitution or constitutional amendments or the law to be adopted by referendum is considered submitted to the National Assembly for debate, if in conformity with the requirements of this Law it is officially submitted to the Chairperson of the National Assembly.
4. The drafts of the Constitution or constitutional amendments, as well as the laws to be adopted by referendum are circulated in the National Assembly in the manner prescribed by Article 51 of this Law. The Government and the Staff submit their conclusions on the draft of the Constitution or constitutional amendments, as well as the draft laws to be adopted by referendum to the Chairperson of the National Assembly within a 30-day period, and the lead committee within a 40-day period, however, no earlier than by the end of the period for receiving conclusions from the Government or the staff.
Article 77. The Procedure for Debate on the Laws Adopted by Referendum and the Procedure for Debate on the drafts of the Constitution or constitutional amendments submitted by Deputies
1. The draft laws to be adopted by referendum as well as the drafts of the Constitution or constitutional amendments put forward by a Deputy are debated in the National Assembly in three readings in the manner prescribed by chapter 8 of this Law with the following difference:
a) The President of the Republic or his/her authorized representative is entitled to act as the co-speaker during the debate of the aforementioned drafts;
b) in the case stipulated in Paragraph 2 of Article 72 of this Law, the author (the main speaker) may suggest that a resolution be taken by the National Assembly on putting forward a proposal on holding a referendum for the adoption of the relevant draft to the President of the Republic;
c) If the resolution of the National Assembly specified in Sub-Clause “b” of Paragraph 1 of this Article is not adopted by voting, then immediately after voting the author (the main speaker) is entitled to an up to 3-minute presentation and suggest that by the resolution of the National Assembly the debate on the relevant draft be returned to the stage of submission of proposals foreseen in Article 66 of this Law.
d) If the resolution of the National Assembly stipulated in Sub-Paragraph “b” of Paragraph 1 of this Article is not adopted by voting and the author (the main speaker) has not made the proposal stipulated in Sub-Paragraph "c" of Paragraph 1 of this Article or it was presented but not accepted, the relevant draft is removed from the agendas of the session and the four-day sitting of the National Assembly.
2. By the proposal of the National Assembly, the Chairperson of the National Assembly delivers, within a 7-day period after the adoption, the resolutions of the National Assembly on the adoption of the Constitution or constitutional amendments, as well as on holding a referendum on a draft law along with the relevant drafts to the e President of the Republic who appoints, within a 21-day period after receiving them, the referendum or returns the relevant draft to the National Assembly with objections or recommendations demanding a new debate.
3. The draft of the Constitution or constitutional amendments, or the law to be adopted by referendum and returned with the objections or recommendations of the President of the Republic is put to debate in the National Assembly in the manner prescribed by Article 73 of this Law.
The draft of the Constitution or constitutional amendments, or the law to be adopted by referendum proposed by at least two thirds of the total number of Deputies of the National Assembly is put to referendum by the President of the Republic on the day fixed by the National Assembly.
Article 78. The Procedure for Debate on the Initiative of the President of the Republic with Respect to the Constitution or Constitutional Amendments
1. The drafts of the Constitution or constitutional amendments submitted to the National Assembly upon the initiative of the President of the Republic are debated in the National Assembly in the manner prescribed by Article 55 of this Law within three months after receiving the draft. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
2. The representative of the President of the Republic delivers a speech. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
3. In his/her final speech the representative of the President is entitled to amend the debated draft and propose:
a) to give a consent by a resolution of the National Assembly on holding a referendum on adopting the draft amended on the basis of proposals acceptable to the President of the Republic;
b) to postpone the debate at the stage of voting until the beginning of the next four-day sitting in order to finalize the debated draft in line with the proposals acceptable to the President of the Republic, which is considered adopted without voting.
4. If upon the proposal of the representative of the President of the Republic the debate of the issue is postponed at the stage of voting, it is resumed with an up to 3-minute speech of the representative of the President, where s/he may suggest consenting to a referendum by a resolution of the National Assembly on the motion debated and amended in line with the proposals acceptable to the President of the Republic.
5. The Chairperson of the National Assembly sends, within a 7-day period, the resolution of the National Assembly on consenting to hold a referendum on the draft of the Constitution or constitutional amendments to the President of the Republic.
Article 79. The Terms of the Submission of and Debate on the State Budget
1. In accordance with Article 76 of the Constitution, the National Assembly approves the state budget upon the submission of the Government. If the budget is not approved by the beginning of the fiscal year, expenditures are made by the proportions of the previous year until the new budget is approved.
2. The Government submits officially including electronically the draft of the state budget for debate in the National Assembly at least ninety days prior to the beginning of the fiscal year and may request that the budget be put to the vote with corrections acceptable to the Government, by the end of that term. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007, amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
3. Within two days following the receipt of the draft state budget, and after consulting with the Prime Minister, as well as debating the issue at the working meeting of the National
Assembly, the Chairperson of the National Assembly shall prepare the schedule for conducting preliminary discussions by the standing committees and their joint meetings,
submission of proposals, and amendments by the Government of the draft budget, which is sent to the Deputies, factions, deputy groups, standing committees, the Control Chamber
and the Budget Office along with the draft budget. The schedule is also sent to the Government (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007, amended by the LA- 17 dated 25.03.2015.)
Within 10 days of receiving the draft state budget, the Budget Office shall prepare and submit the Standing Committee on Financial-Credit and Budgetary Field of the National
Assembly the summary of the draft, which, the chairman of the committee shall submit to the Chairperson of the National Assembly. (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009,
amended by the LA-17 dated 25.03.2015)
4. The debate on the draft state budget starts at the National Assembly no later than in the first four-day sitting of November preceding the fiscal year. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
Article 80. Preliminary Debates on the Draft Budget and the Procedure for its Submission
1. The preliminary debates on the draft budget are held at the meetings of standing committees and their joint meetings, where, in accordance with established procedure, the Prime Minister’s authorized representatives also participate.
2. Classified materials foreseen by the legislation regarding the expenditure articles containing state and official secrets are discussed in a closed-door joint meeting of the standing committees on Defense, National Security and Internal Affairs and Standing Committee on Financial-Credit and Budgetary Affairs of the National Assembly, where the Deputies, the Chairman of the Control Chamber as well as the Prime Minister’s authorized representatives may participate.
3. Deputies, factions, deputy groups and standing committees submit their proposals on the amendments to the draft budget to the Government via the staff of the National Assembly, as well as on an electronic carrier or by e-mail. On the basis of the results of preliminary discussions in standing committees, the Government may make amendments to the draft budget within a specified time period.
4. The Government submits the edited version of the draft budget for debate in the National Assembly with an attached bulletin with the proposals grouped in the order of the budget articles, which indicates the following in the following order:
a) the author of the proposal;
b) the number of the article to which the proposal pertains;
c) the text or content of the proposal;
d) the conclusion of the Government on the proposal.
5. The proposals which have received a positive conclusion of the Government must be included in the draft budget.
Article 81. The Procedure for Debate on the Law on the Draft Budget
1. The Government may make three speeches with an overall duration of up to 90 minutes to present the draft budget law. The speakers also present the amendments that have been made in the draft as a result of the preliminary discussions.
2. For co-speeches of up to 30-minutes the rostrum is provided to the following:
a) the Chairman of the Central Bank to present the conclusion of the Central Bank on the draft budget law; (Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
b) the representative of the Standing Committee on Financial-Credit and Budget Affairs of the National Assembly to present the conclusion of the committee on the draft budget law (Amended by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012);
c) the representative of the Standing Committee on Defense, National Security and Internal Affairs to present the conclusion of the committee on the lawfulness and reasons of expenditures with regard to budget articles containing state and official secrets (Amended by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012);
d) one representative from each of the other standing committees, at their own request to present the opinion of the relevant committee on the draft budget law.
3. Deputies ask the speakers questions in the manner prescribed by Article 57 of this Law, which is followed by an exchange of opinions.
Article 82. The Procedure for Exchange of Opinions During Discussions on the Draft Budget Law
1.The exchange of opinions takes place in the manner prescribed by Article 58 of this Law, with the following exceptions:
a) speeches are limited to up to 10 minutes;
b) prior to the speeches of factions and deputy groups, members of the Government, the Mayor of Yerevan and Regional Governors are entitled to 7 extraordinary speeches upon the presentation of the Prime Minister.
2. The exchange of opinions ends with a 30-minute concluding speech of the Prime Minister or the head of the authorized body in the area of finances, after which only the President of the Republic of Armenia may speak out of turn.
3. After the exchange of opinions is over, the officer presiding over the session declares a recess for the debate of the draft budget for at least 4 days.
Article 83. The Procedure for Submission of Proposals on the Draft Budget
Within 24 hours after the recess is declared, the proposals of deputies, factions and deputy groups, and the proposals and conclusions of the standing committees are submitted officially, as well as on an electronic carrier or by e-mail, to the staff, who, within one hour after the deadline for submission is over, sends them to the Government.
Article 84. Resumption of Debates on the Draft Budget Law
1. At least 24 hours before the resumption of debates on the draft budget law, the Government submits to the staff the final version of the draft budget and the bulletin prepared in the manner prescribed by Paragraph 4 of Article 80 of this Law, in as many copies as the number of Deputies. The staff ensures that the copies are distributed to the Deputies in the building of the National Assembly.
2. After the debates on the draft budget law are resumed, the Prime Minister or the head of the authorized body in the area of finances present the final version of the draft and the proposals included in the protocol in an up to one-hour speech.
3. Deputies ask the speakers questions in the manner prescribed by Article 57 of this Law.
4. Provided requests have been submitted, the right for an up to 10-minute speech is given to:
a) representatives of factions and deputy groups;
b) representatives of standing committees;
c) the Chairperson and Vice Chairpersons of the National Assembly.
5. After the speeches, the Prime Minister or the head of the authorized body in the area of finances deliver a 30-minute concluding speech, in which s/he may propose to adopt the final version of the draft budget law as a law or raise the issue of the vote of confidence in connection with the approval of the budget.
6. If the proposal of the Government to adopt the final version of the draft budget law does not receive the number of votes required for its approval, the Government may raise the issue of the vote of confidence in connection with the approval of the budget in the manner prescribed by Paragraph 3 of Article 60 of this Law.
7. If in accordance with the procedure stipulated by Article 107 of this Law no draft resolution on a vote of "no confidence" is presented or if similar resolution is not adopted, then the budget with the corrections adopted by the Government is assumed to be approved.
8. The draft law on making supplements and amendments to the law on the budget is debated in the National Assembly through a special procedure.
Article 85. The Procedure and Terms for the Second Presentation of the Draft Budget
In accordance with Article 90 of the Constitution, in case there is a vote of "no confidence" in the Government by the National Assembly in connection with the approval of the budget, the new Government submits a draft budget to the National Assembly within 10 days after the approval of its program. The draft budget is voted upon and approved in the manner prescribed by Chapter 10 of this Law within 30 days. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
Article 86. The Oversight of Budget Execution
1. (Paragraph 1 became ineffective, amended by the LA-12 dated 25.12.2006)
2. Within 40 days from the end of each quarter, the Government shall submit a report (also e- version) on the execution of the budget to the National Assembly. (Supplemented by the
LA-17 dated 25.03.2015)
2.1 The standing committee of financial-credit and budgetary field of the National Assembly, in its sitting, shall debate the Government submitted certificate related to the execution of
the state budget. The debates in the committee sitting are implemented through the following procedure;
a) the speech of the main reporter;
b) questions to the main reporter;
c) speech of the co-reporter;
d) questions to the co- reporter;
e) exchange of opinions.
The debates are completed by the concluding speeches of the co- reporter and the main reporter. (Supplemented by the LA-17 dated 25.03.2015)
3. Prior to the approval of the budget for the next fiscal year at the meeting of the National Assembly, the National Assembly debates on the report on the execution of the budget of the year preceding the current year.
CHAPTER 11
DEBATE ON AND APPROVAL OF THE ANNUAL STATE BUDGET EXECUTION REPORT
Article 87. The Terms for the Submission and Approval of the Annual Report
1. The National Assembly debates on and approves the annual budget execution report on the second Wednesday in June of the year following the reporting year provided there is the conclusion of the Control Chamber.
2. The Government submits the annual budget execution report for each year officially and electronically, as well as the official conclusion of the Central Bank submitted to the Government by the Central Bank, to the National Assembly by 1 May of the following year. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 30.04.2009)
3. Within two days following the receipt of the annual budget execution report, the Chairperson of the National Assembly, in consultation with the Prime Minister, and after a debate on
the motion at a National Assembly working meeting, shall schedule the preliminary discussions of the annual budget execution report within the standing committees and, along with
the submitted report, send it to Deputies, factions, deputy groups, standing committees, the Government, the Control Chamber and the Budget Office. (Amended by the LA-17 dated
25.03.2015)
4. Within 10 days of receiving the annual state budget execution report, the Budget Office shall prepare and submit the Standing Committee on Financial-Credit and Budgetary Field
of the National Assembly the summary of the annual state budget execution report, which, the chairman of the committee shall submit to the Chairperson of the National Assembly.
(Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009, amended by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012, amended by the LA-17 dated 25.03.2015)
Article 88. Preliminary Debates on the Annual Report
1. Preliminary debates on the annual budget execution report take place in standing committees, with the participation of the members of the Government and the authorized representatives of the Prime Minister’s in accordance with the established procedure.
2. Classified materials regarding expenditure items containing state and official secrets are debated at closed-door joint meetings of standing committees on Defense, National Security and Internal Affairs, and Financial-Credit and Budgetary Affairs, in which Deputies, the Chairperson of the Control Chamber and the authorized representatives of the Prime Minister’s office may participate (Amended by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012).
Article 89. Debates on the Annual Report
1. The Government may make 3 speeches for an overall duration of up to 90 minutes while presenting the annual budget execution report at the sitting of the National Assembly.
2. For up 30-minute supplementary speeches, the rostrum is provided to the following:
a) the Chairman of the Central Bank – to present the conclusion of the Central Bank on the report; (Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
b) Chairperson of the Control Chamber – to present the conclusion of the Control Chamber on the report as well as on the annual financial report of the Central bank; (amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
c) the representative of the Standing Committee on Financial-Credit and Budgetary Affairs – to present the conclusion of the committee on the report (Amended by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012);
d) the representative of the Standing Committee on Defense, National Security and Internal Affairs – to present the conclusion of the committee on the legality and reasons of those expenditures included in the annual budget execution report that contain state and official secrets;
e) one representative from each of the rest of the standing committees, at their own request – to present the conclusion of the relevant committee on the report.
3. The deputies ask the speakers questions in the manner prescribed by Article 57 of this Law, which is followed by an exchange of opinions in the manner prescribed by Article 58 of this Law.
4. Prior to the speeches of factions and deputy groups and upon the presentation of the Prime Minister, the members of the Government, Yerevan Mayor and Regional Governors are entitled to 7 extraordinary speeches.
5. After the exchange of opinions is over, the Prime Minister or the head of the authorized financial body makes a 30-minute concluding speech, in which s/he may:
a) put the draft resolution of the National Assembly on approving the annual budget execution report to the vote;
b) raise the issue of the vote of confidence in connection with the approval of the annual budget execution report.
6. If the proposal on approving the final version of the annual budget execution report does not receive the number of votes required for its approval, the Government may call for a vote of confidence in connection with the approval of the annual budget execution report in the manner prescribed by Paragraph 3 of Article 60 of this Law.
7. If no draft resolution on the vote of ‘no confidence’ is submitted in the manner prescribed by Article 107 of this Law or if such resolution is not adopted, then the presented report is assumed to have been approved.
8. If the National Assembly expresses ‘no confidence’ in the Government in the manner prescribed by Article 107 of this Law, then the presented report is considered to be approved.
CHAPTER 12
PROCEDURES FOR DEBATING ON ISSUES THAT ARE WITHIN THE COMPETENCE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA-
Article 90. Procedure for Debating on the President’s Proposal on Declaring Amnesty
1. The President of the Republic of Armenia sends his/her proposal on declaring amnesty to the Chairperson of the National Assembly.
2. Within 24 hours after the receipt of the proposal of the President of the Republic of Armenia on declaring amnesty, the Chairperson of the National Assembly sends it to the Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs of the National Assembly and to the Government, and includes it in the schedule of the forthcoming four-day sitting of the National Assembly (Amended by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012).
3. The proposal of the President of the Republic of Armenia on declaring amnesty is debated at the closed-door meeting of the Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs of the National Assembly, in which Deputies and authorized representatives of the President of the Republic of Armenia and the Prime Minister’s office may participate (Amended by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012).
4. The proposal of the President of the Republic of Armenia on declaring amnesty is debated at the extraordinary sitting of the National Assembly as a priority issue in the manner prescribed by Article 55 of this Law. The representative of the President of Armenia delivers the main speech, and the representative of the Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs deliver the supplementary speech. During the exchange of opinions Deputies may make proposals only with regard to the proposals of the President of the Republic of Armenia (Amended by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012).
5. In his/her concluding speech the representative of the President of the Republic of Armenia may withdraw the proposals of the President of the Republic of Armenia on declaring amnesty, or make changes to it, or propose:
a) Adopting the resolution of the National Assembly on declaring amnesty developed on the basis of the proposals acceptable to the President of the Republic of Armenia;
b) Postponing the debate on the motion at the stage of voting until the beginning of the next four-day sitting with a view to finalizing the draft resolution taking account of the proposals acceptable to the President of the Republic of Armenia, which is considered to be approved without voting.
6. If the debate on a motion is postponed at the stage of voting at the request of the representative of the President of the Republic of Armenia, it is resumed by an up to 10-minute speech of the President of the Republic of Armenia, in which s/he may propose to adopt the resolution of the National Assembly developed on the basis of the proposals acceptable to the President of the Republic of Armenia.
7. The Chairperson of the National Assembly signs and promulgates the resolution of the National Assembly on declaring amnesty within 24 hours unless another date is specified by the resolution.
Article 91. Procedure for Debating on the Proposal of the President of the Republic on Declaring War and Establishing Peace (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
1. The proposal of the President of the Republic on declaring war and establishing peace is debated at a special sitting of the National Assembly in the manner prescribed by Article 55 of this Law, with the following differences: (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
a) the President of the Republic of Armenia or his/her representative acts as the main speaker, while the supplementary speeches are delivered the representative of standing committees one from each;
b) only one representative from each faction and parliamentary group may take part in the exchange of opinions; (Amended by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
c) only the President of the Republic of Armenia or his/her representative delivers a concluding speech.
2. The resolution of the National Assembly on declaring war and establishing peace is signed and promulgated by the Chairperson of the National Assembly immediately, unless another date is specified by the resolution. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
Article 92. The Procedure for Debating on the Motion on Canceling the Arrangements stipulated by Paragraphs 13 and 14 of Article 55 of the Constitution
1. In accordance with Paragraph 13 of Article 55 of the Constitution, the President of the Republic of Armenia may declare martial law and a full or partial mobilization and issue a decree on using armed forces. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
2. In accordance with Paragraph 14 of Article 55 of the Constitution, in a situation of an immediate threat to the constitutional order, the President of the Republic, having consulted with the Chairperson of the National Assembly and the Prime Minister, may declare a state of emergency, take measures required by the situation, and address the nation with regard to them. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
3. In accordance with the final part of Article 81 of the Constitution, the National Assembly may annul the implementation of the arrangements stipulated in Paragraphs 13 and 14 of Article 55 of the Constitution. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
4. The draft resolution of the National Assembly on annulling the implementation of the arrangements stipulated in Paragraphs 13 and 14 of Article 55 of the Constitution, is submitted to the National Assembly and put into circulation in the manner prescribed by the Article 52 of this Law, and is debated and adopted in the manner prescribed by the Article 55 of this Law. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
5. (Paragraph 5 became ineffective by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
6. (Paragraph 6 became ineffective by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
7. The Chairperson of the National Assembly signs and promulgates the resolution of the National Assembly on annulling the implementation of the arrangements stipulated in Paragraphs 13 and 14 of Article 55 of the Constitution immediately, unless another date is specified by the resolution. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
8. (Paragraph 8 became ineffective as, amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
Article 93. Procedure for the Ratification, Suspension or Denunciation of the International Treaties
1. An international treaty is submitted to the National Assembly for ratification, provided the treaty or the obligations stipulated in it, do not contradict the according to the judgment of the Constitutional Court, do not contradict the Constitution.
2. The range of international treaties that are subject to ratification by the National Assembly is specified by the Constitution and by law. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
3. If the implementation of the international treaty submitted for ratification, stipulates amendments to the laws of the Republic of Armenia or adoption of a new law, then the Government attaches a memo about this to the treaty.
If the international treaty submitted for ratification defines norms contradicting the laws of the Republic of Armenia, then the Government attaches a memo to the treaty on the necessity or inexpediency of making amendments to the laws of the Republic of Armenia (Amended by the LA-124 dated 22.02.2007)
4. The draft resolution on ratifying or suspending an international treaty is debated in the manner prescribed by Article 55 of this Law. The representative of the President of the Republic of Armenia is the main reporter. (Amended and supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007, amended by the LA-124 dated 22.02.2007)
5. An international treaty may also be submitted for ratification, with reservations specified by the main reporter.
6. The procedure stipulated by this Article applies also to the adoption of a resolution on the Republic of Armenia joining an international treaty. (Amended by the LA-124 dated 22.02.2007)
7. If a resolution on ratifying an international treaty is adopted and, in accordance with the memo (memos) of the Government, it stems from the relevant treaty that a new law must be adopted or amendments must be made to the existing Law, then the Government submits the draft law (draft laws) on making amendments to the relevant law or adopting a new law to the National Assembly for debate within the time limit stipulated by the law of the Republic of Armenia on the International Treaties of the Republic of Armenia. (Supplemented by the LA-124 dated 22.02.2007)
8. The draft resolution on annulling an international treaty ratified by the National Assembly, or the international treaty, which the National Assembly resolved to join, is submitted to the National Assembly by the Government with a memo substantiating the annulment.
The rules of Paragraph 4 of this Article apply to the submission and debate on the draft resolution on annulling an international treaty. (Supplemented by the LA-124 dated 22.02.2007)
Article 94. The Procedure for Submitting and Accepting the Resignation of the President of the Republic of Armenia
1. The President of the RA submits his/her resignation to the NA. If within two days following the expiry of the 10-day period following the submission of the resignation, it is repeated, the resignation of the President is deemed to be accepted
2. The Chairperson of the National Assembly delivers an official address (information) on the submission and adoption of the resignation of the President of the Republic. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
Article 95. The Procedure for Holding a Debate on the Resolution on the Dismissal of the President of the Republic from Office
1. A debate is held on the draft resolution on the dismissal of the President of the Republic from office in the manner prescribed by Article 55 of this Law. The President of the Republic or his/her representative as well as the representative of the lead committee may deliver a supplementary speech. (Amended by the LA-404 dated 03.07.2002)
2. On the proposal of the author (the main speaker) made in his/her concluding speech, with a view to receiving a conclusion on the issue of dismissing the President of the Republic from office and by a resolution adopted by the majority of the total number of deputies, the National Assembly applies to the Constitutional Court, and the debate on the issue shall is suspended until the conclusion of the Constitutional Court is received. (Amended by the LA-404 dated 03.07.2002)
3. On the basis of the conclusion of the Constitutional Court, the National Assembly holds a debate on the draft resolution on the dismissal of the President of the Republic from office in the manner prescribed by Article 55 of this Law, which is adopted by a secret ballot by the minimum of two thirds of the votes of the total number of Deputies. (Amended by the LA-404 dated 03.07.2002)
4. If according to the conclusion of the Constitutional Court there are no grounds for the dismissal of the President of the Republic from office, or the resolution of the National Assembly is not adopted in the manner prescribed by Paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Article, the issue is withdrawn from debate.
5. The resolution of the National Assembly on the dismissal of the President of the Republic from office is signed and promulgated by the Chairperson of the National Assembly immediately unless another date is specified by the resolution.
Article 96. The Procedure for Holding a Debate on the Resolution on the Impossibility by the President of the Republic to Execute his/her Powers
1. In accordance with Article 59 of the Constitution, in case of a serious illness of the President of the Republic of Armenia or other insurmountable obstacles to the execution of his/her powers, which render the execution of his/her powers impossible for a lengthy period of time and on the basis of the conclusion of the Constitutional Court, the Government submits a proposal on the impossibility by the President of the Republic to execute his/her powers to the National Assembly. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
2. The discussion of the motion begins with up to a 20-minute report of the representative of the Government, after which one representative from each faction and deputy group may deliver an up to a 10-minute speech. The resolution is adopted by at least two thirds of the votes of the total number of Deputies. (Amended by the LA-404 dated 03.07.2002)
3. If the resolution indicated in Paragraph 2 of this Article is not adopted, then the motion is withdrawn from debate. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
4. The resolution of the National Assembly regarding the impossibility by the President of the Republic to exercise his/her powers is signed and promulgated by the Chairperson of the National Assembly immediately unless another date is specified by the resolution.
CHAPTER 13
PROCEDURES FOR HOLDING DEBATES ON ISSUES RESERVED TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Article 97. Debates on Issues Regarding the Election, Appointment to Office, Resignation of an Official and Advance Termination of his/her Powers or his/her Dismissal (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
1. A candidate is nominated for an office, as well as a proposal to appoint him/her to an office, is submitted by a body or official authorized by the Constitution and the law.
In accordance with Paragraph 4 of Article 83 of the Constitution, the right to nominate a candidate for election to an office belongs to factions and deputy groups. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 28.04.2009)
In accordance with Article 83.2 of the Constitution, with a view to ensuring freedom, independence and diversity of the broadcast media, half of the members of the independent regulatory body created by law are elected by the National Assembly for a period of six years. (Amended by the LA-41 dated 08.04.2010)
In the case of a vacancy for a member of the National Commission, the appointment or election to the vacant seat is realized in accordance with Article 83.2 of the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, which provides for the election of half of the members of the National Commission by the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, and the appointment of the other half by the President of the Republic. (Amended by the LA-181 dated 07.10.2009)
In case of a vacancy for a member of the National Commission, the Chairperson of the National Commission notifies of this to the Chairperson of the National Assembly.
The Chairperson of the National Assembly applies in writing to the factions with the proposal to nominate candidates for the competition commission to elect a member for the vacancy in the National Commission. The Chairperson of the National Assembly creates a competition commission within a 7-day period on the basis of the proposals of the factions,.
The opposition faction or factions nominate two candidates to the competition commission, while other factions nominate 4 candidates are. Authoritative public figures in the area of journalism, telecommunications, business, management, law, education, culture and religion and (or) representatives of organizations operating in these areas are nominated for the composition of competitive commission.
The Deputies of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, members of the Government, employees of the administration of the President of the Republic, state servants and members of the governing bodies of political parties may not be included in the composition of the competition commission. (Amended by the LA-41 dated 08.04.2010)
The competition commission elects a chairperson and secretary from among its members.
The activities of the competition committee are regulated by this Law, the relevant procedure established by the Chairperson of the National Assembly, while the procedural issues of the organization and conduct of the competition are regulated by the decisions of the competition commission.
Meetings of the competition committee are competent if more than half of its members participate in it, and the decisions are adopted by the majority votes of the participants.
Anyone may be nominated to the vacancy for the member of the national commission in accordance with the requirements of the Law of the Republic of Armenia on Television and Radio.
At least a 10-day period is set for the nomination as a candidate for a member of the national commission. The candidates are nominated by self-nomination by submitting two recommendations from non-governmental organizations registered and operating in the area of journalism and telecommunications in the manner prescribed by the legislation of the Republic of Armenia. Additional recommendation may also be given by the Public Council.
The competition commission publishes the announcement on holding a competition no later than one month before the competition in the press and mass media outlet with at least
3000 copies, thereby ensuring nationwide access to this information.
The competition commission must not allow citizens to participate in the competition if s/he does not satisfy the requirements defined by Article 41 of the Law of the Republic of Armenia On Television and Radio, or in case there are any of the grounds foreseen by Article 45 of that law.
The competition is held if at least one participant has applied for the competition.
The competition is held in two stages - testing and interviewing.
Testing may be either computerized or in writing.
Tests are drawn by the competition commission in order to check the participants’ knowledge relating to the following:
a) the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia,
b) the RA Law on Television and Radio,
c) the RA Law on the Rules of Procedure of the National Television and Radio Commission (Amended by the LA-41 dated 08.04.2010)
d) the RA Law on Mass Communication
e) the RA Law on Freedom of Information
f) the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.
(Amended 08.04.2010 LA - 41)
The computerized questionnaire must be publicized no later than one month prior to the competition.
Each question in the test must have 3-4 possible answers. Each question must have one correct answer.
Any participant having answered correctly at least 90% of the assignments has a right to participate in the interview.
The interview with the participants is about telecommunications, journalism, and the exercise of freedom of expression, as well as in the direction of creating TV programs on the problems in the area of education and culture, the implementation of advertising, social groups or minors, as well as coverage of these problems.
After the interview, the competition commission votes for each participant.
If the competition commission is not competent on the day of the competition, then the competition is canceled and a repeat competition is held. New applications for the competition are not accepted during the repeat competition, and a competition is held within a 10-day period on general terms.
If no application is submitted for participation in the competition, or if all submitted applications contain one of the grounds defined by either Article 41 or 45 of the RA Law on Television and Radio, or if none of the applicants are present or none answered correctly to at least 90% of the assignments of the test, then the competition is considered invalid and a new competition is held.
The results of the competition are published after the competition on the same day.
Immediately after the publication of the results of the competition, the competition commission chairman submits the results of the competition in writing to the Chairperson of the National Assembly.
On the basis of the results of the competition, the issue of the election of the member of the national commission is submitted for inclusion in the agenda of the forthcoming four-day sitting of the National Assembly.
The officer presiding over the sitting presents the results of the competition during the debate on the issue of election of a member to the national commission, while the candidates are those who participated in the interview.
The candidate having received the majority of votes of the total number of the Deputies of the National Assembly is elected as member of the national commission.
The Chairperson of the National Assembly publicizes the information on the results of the election of the member of the national commission by the National Assembly in the press and other mass media on the next day of the election.
Failure to appoint a regular member to the national commission by anyone one with authority to appoint (elect) a member to the national commission is not a ground for another with such authority not appoint a member to the national commission for the vacant seat..
One and the same person may not be elected as a member of the national commission for more than two consecutive terms. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 28.04.2009)
2. Issues of election or appointment to an office at a sitting of the National Assembly are debated in the manner prescribed by Article 55 of this Law, with the following differences:
a) up to 10 minutes are allotted for the nominating or making a proposal on the election or appointment to an office, as well as for presenting the conclusion on the results of the competition at the time of a debate on the election of a member of the national commission.(Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 28.04.2009)
b) the nominated candidate acts as the main reporter;
c) the nominated candidate may file a motion on self-refusal prior to the end of the concluding speeches.
3. One candidate is proposed for the appointment to any of the offices foreseen by Paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 83, Articles 83.3, 83. 4 and Article 103 of the Constitution (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007).
A faction nominates one candidate for the office of the chairperson of a standing committee in the manner prescribed by Paragraph 1.1 of Article 26 of this Law. (Supplemented by the LA-182 dated 23.10.2008)
4. If more than two candidates are nominated for election to an office and none of them receives the required number of votes, then a repeat vote is held in which the two candidates having received the maximum number of votes participate.
5. If two candidates participates in voting and neither of them is elected, then new voting is held, and new candidates may be nominated.
5.1. If the candidate nominated by a faction to the office of the chairperson of a standing committee is not elected, then new elections are held, and the faction that has such a right may nominate a new candidate. (Supplemented by the LA-182 dated 23.10.2008)
5.2. If the faction does not nominate a candidate for election as chairperson of a standing committee then the right to nominate a candidate for the office in question passes to the faction having the biggest factor at the beginning of the calculation of the factors of factions in the manner prescribed by Paragraph 1.1 of Article 26 of this Law. (Supplemented by the LA-182 dated 23.10.2008)
6. An official who elected or appointed by the National Assembly submits his/her written application on resignation to the Chairperson of the National Assembly, and is publicized by the officer presiding over the sitting at the forthcoming four-day sitting. If within 3 days after publicizing the resignation the person in question via a written application:
a) withdraws his/her application on resignation, then the officer presiding over the sitting notifies the National Assembly of this during the forthcoming sitting;
b) does not withdraw his/her application on resignation, then the resignation is considered accepted.
7. A draft resolution on advance termination of the powers of an official elected or appointed by the National Assembly may be submitted by bodies or officials indicated in Paragraph 1 of this Article. The draft is debated in the manner prescribed by Article 55 of this Law. The person indicated in the draft resolution acts as a co-reporter. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
8. The resolutions of the National Assembly on the election and appointment to an office by the National Assembly, as well as on the advance termination of the powers (dismissal) of an official are adopted by secret ballot. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
Article 97.1. The Procedure for the Election of the Chairman and Other Members of the Central Electoral Commission
1. By the amendments of 2015, in accordance with the second paragraph of Article 195 of the Constitution, the chairman and other members of the Central Electoral Commission, on the recommendation of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly, shall be elected by the National Assembly by receiving at least three fifths of the votes of the total number of Deputies, for a term of six years.
2. By the decision of the Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs, candidates for chairman and other members of the Central Electoral Commission shall be nominated, as selected from among all the presented nominees, to the National Assembly in written form, by at least one third of the total number of committee members.
3. The committee shall propose to the National Assembly one nominee for chairman and one nominee for each membership position of the Central Electoral Commission.
4. One nominee for chairman and one nominee for each membership position of the Central Electoral Commission may be submitted by an application to the Committee.
5. By the Committee Chairman’s notification, the applications shall be submitted to the Committee within 10 days of a vacancy for the office of membership of the Central Electoral Commission.
6. The application shall be attached by the candidate’s:
a) copy of an identification document,
b) certificate related to not having criminal conviction records, removed or cancelled criminal conviction records on crimes, as well as deliberately committed legal infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies, as foreseen by Articles 149-154.6 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia.
c) copy of a document testifying the existence of higher education,
d) certificate related to employment or professional experience,
e) certificate testifying to compulsory military service or being exempt or a deferment of such service in case of a male candidate,
f) biography,
g) certificate on being a citizen only of the Republic of Armenia and of permanent residence in the Republic of Armenia during the last four years.
h) written consent for the appointment to an office.
7. Within 10 days after the deadline for submitting applications, the Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs shall propose to the National Assembly a candidate for membership of the Central Electoral Commission. If no candidate is proposed by the due date, then, within 10 days, new applications may be submitted for the vacant position.
8. The issues on proposing candidates for the chairman and other members of the Central Electoral Commission to the National Assembly shall be discussed in a closed sitting, and the voting shall be done in an open sitting.
9. The issues of the election of the chairman and other members of the Central Electoral Commission without voting shall be included in the agendas of the regular session and upcoming four-day sittings and those issues shall be discussed extraordinarily.
10. The issue of electing the chairman of the Central Election Commission of the National Assembly shall be debated separately, in accordance with Article 55 of this Law, and the issues of electing other members shall be debated jointly with the following difference.
a) the representative of the Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs shall deliver a speech, limited to 10 minutes, presenting the decision of the committee on the candidate for the chairman of the Central Electoral Commission; in case of the election of other members, the representative of the Committee shall present the committee’s decision regarding each candidate for membership.
b) the candidate for the chairman of the Central Electoral Commission shall deliver a speech, limited to 10 minutes, and in case the election of the other members, all candidates shall take the floor with the same duration.
c) After the speeches, questions shall be given to the representative of the committee, to the candidate for the chairman of the Central Election Commission, and in case the election of other members, questions shall be given to each candidate.
d) exchange of ideas.
e) Closing speeches shall be delivered by the candidate for the chairman of the Central Electoral Commission, and in case of the election of other members, closing speeches shall be delivered by the representative of the Committee and by all candidates.
f) A candidate may withdraw his candidacy before the end of the closing speeches.
11. The Chairman of the Central Election Commission and the other members shall be elected by a secret ballot by at least three fifths of the total number of Deputies.
12. If the chairman or a member of the Central Electoral Commission is not elected, then the discussion of the issue on that office shall be deemed completed, after which within 10 days, new applications can be submitted for the vacant position.
Article 97.2. The Procedure for Termination of Powers of a Member of the Central Electoral Commission
1. As directed by the amendments of 2015, in accordance with the sixth paragraph of Article 195 of the Constitution, in the case of breaching any condition of the fourth and fifth paragraphs of Article 195 of the Constitution, the National Assembly, by at least three fifths of the total number of the Deputies, shall terminate the powers of the member/s of the Central Electoral Commission.
2. The Committee on Ethics of high ranking officials, according to the defined procedure of the Law “On Public Service” of the Republic of Armenia, shall submit to the National Assembly the conclusion regarding to breaching of any condition of the fourth and fifth paragraphs of Article 195 of the Constitution.
3. Within 24 hours after receiving the conclusion, the National Assembly shall provide its distribution to the Deputies, and the issue on termination of the powers of the member/s of the Central Electoral Commission, without voting, shall be included in the agendas of the regular session and upcoming four-day sittings and those issues shall be discussed extraordinarily.
4. The member of the Central Election Commission, mentioned in the conclusion at least 7 days prior shall be informed in a written form, on the debate of the issue in the National Assembly sitting. In case of the absence of the member of the Central Electoral Commission, the debate of the issue shall be postponed twice for two weeks, after which it shall be debated in the next four-day sittings regardless of her/his presence.
5. The issue on termination of powers of a member of the Central Electoral Commission shall be debated in the National Assembly in accordance with Article 55 of this Law with the following difference; the Chairman of the Ethics Committee of high ranking officials shall take the floor as the main speaker, and the member of the Central Election Commission, mentioned in the conclusion, may take the floor as the co- speaker.
6. At the end of the debate of the issue, the issue on termination of powers of a member of the Central Electoral Commission, based on the conclusion of the Ethics Committee of high ranking officials, shall be put to a vote; the resolution of the National Assembly, regarding this issue, shall be adopted by a secret ballot requiring at least three-fifths of the total number of Deputies.
7. If the result of voting is that there are not the required number of votes for the adoption of the decision of the National Assembly mentioned in paragraph 6 of this Article, it is considered that the member of the Central Electoral Commission has not violated the condition of the fourth or fifth paragraphs of Article 195 of the Constitution, which was mentioned in the conclusion.
8. If the powers of the member of the Central Electoral Commission are terminated by the decision of the National Assembly, then, within 10 days after voting, new applications for the vacant position can be submitted.
Article 98. Procedure for Giving Consent to Arresting, Involve as Accused, Remanding in Custody or Subjecting him/her to Administrative Liability by a Judicial Procedure (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
1. The motion on giving consent to arresting a deputy, involving him/her as accused, remanding him/her in custody or subjecting him/her to administrative liability by a judicial procedure is submitted by the Prosecutor General to the Chairperson of the National Assembly, who immediately notifies the deputy of this and ensures that the motion is distributed to the Deputies in the building of the National Assembly. (Amended and supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
2. The motion is debated by the National Assembly in the manner prescribed by Article 55 of this Law, with the following differences:
a) the Prosecutor General and the Deputy indicated in the motion deliver up to 20-minute speeches and may be asked questions;
b) only Deputies may make speeches at the time of the exchange of opinions;
c) the Deputy indicated in the motion and the Prosecutor General each deliver an up to 20-minute concluding speech.
3. If the Deputy indicated in the motion is not present at the sitting (is not registered in accordance with the established procedure) when the debate on the issue begins and s/he has not notified the Chairperson of the National Assembly of the reason for his/her absence in advance, or s/he has notified the Chairperson of the National Assembly, but the latter has not considered it to be a good reason, then the issue is debated by the National Assembly without the Deputy’s participation.
4. The resolutions of the National Assembly on giving consent to arresting a deputy, involving him/her as accused, remanding him/her in custody or subjecting him/her to administrative liability by a judicial procedure are adopted by secret ballot and by the majority of the number of the voting Deputies if more than half of the total number of the Deputies have voted. (Amended and supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
Article 99. Procedure for the Termination of the Powers of a Deputy for Absences from Votes with no Good Reason in the Course of a Session
1. The staff registers the deputies’ participation in the voting.
2. The staff delivers a memo to Deputies on their absences from votes during the previous month or session in the first week of each month. This memo is also sent to the Deputies by e-mail. (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
3. A Deputy’s absence from voting is considered for a good reason if:
a) within four days after s/he has recovered his capability s/he submits a certificate on incapability to the chairperson of the standing committee or the chief of staff; (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
a.1) s/he is sent on business trip by the National Assembly, (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
a.2) s/he has been arrested or remanded in custody for preventive reasons but he was not sentenced to imprisonment or decision to discontinue his/her criminal prosecution was adopted with regard to him/her; (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009, supplemented by the LA-41 dated 08.04.2010)
b) within four days before his absence or after the voting, s/he officially notifies of the reason for his/her absence to the Chairperson of the National Assembly and the latter considers it for a good reason; (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
c) within a 15-day period following the end of the regular session, s/he notifies officially of the reason for his/her absence to the Chairperson of the National Assembly, and the latter considers it for a good reason; (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
d) s/he makes a statement on refusing to participate in a particular voting in the manner prescribed by Sub-Paragraph ‘g’ Paragraph 2 of Article 56 of this Law; (Amended by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012)
e) before the voting the leader or secretary of a faction or deputy group declared at the sitting of the National Assembly that all members registered for the sitting of the faction or the group refused to participate in the voting. (Supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
3.1. Refusal by a faction or deputy group to participate in the voting in the manner prescribed by Sub-Paragraph ‘e’ of Paragraph 3 of this Articles considered to be made for a good reason only in one session of that particular convocation of the National Assembly. (Supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
4. The issue of the absence of the Deputies who have been absent from more than half of the voting for no good reason in the previous regular session is included in the agenda of the first four-day sitting of the regular session. (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
5. The Deputy is notified of the debate in a sitting of the National Assembly on the issue of his/her absences at least 7 days in advance. If the Deputy is absent, the debate on the issue is postponed twice each time for two weeks, after which it is considered at the next 4-day sitting regardless of his/her presence. (Supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
6. The draft resolution on the absences of each Deputy is debated separately in the manner prescribed by Article 55 of this Law. During the debate, the Deputy or the Deputy authorized by him/her may speak from the rostrum, answer questions and have a 10-minute concluding speech.
7. The resolution of the National Assembly on considering the absences of a Deputy from more than half of votes in one regular session for no good reasons is adopted by secret ballot by the majority of votes of the Deputies who participated in the session if more than half of the total number of the Deputies have voted. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
8. The minutes on the termination of the powers of the Deputy is drawn on the basis of the above resolution, signed by the Chairperson of the National Assembly and sent to the Central Election Commission within a five-day period.
Article 99.1. The Procedure for Terminating the Powers of a Deputy for Breaching the Terms of Paragraph 1 of Article 65 of the Constitution
1. If as a result of the examination of the issue foreseen by Sub-Paragraph ‘a’ of Paragraph 1 of Article 24.2. of this Law the ethics commission adopts a conclusion on breaching by a Deputy of the terms of Paragraph 1 of Article 65 of the Constitution, then within 24 hours it is sent to the Chairperson of the National Assembly.
2. The conclusion of the ethics commission is included in the agendas of the regular session of the National Assembly and its forthcoming four-day sitting and debated out of turn.
3. The Deputy indicated in the conclusion of the ethics commission is issued at least a 7-day notice on the debate on the conclusion in the sitting of the National Assembly. In case of the absence of the Deputy the debate on the issue is postponed for two times for a period of two weeks following which it is debated in the next four-day sitting regardless of his/her presence.
4. The conclusion of the ethics commission is debated in the National Assembly in the manner prescribed by Article 55 of this Law. The member of the commission authorized to present the conclusion of the ethics commission acts as the main reporter, while the Deputy indicated in the conclusion or his/her authorized representative may act as the co-reporter.
5. Upon the completion of the debate the issue of approval of the conclusion of the ethics commission on breaching by a Deputy of the terms of Paragraph 1 of Article 65 of the Constitution is put to the vote, and the resolution of the National Assembly on this is adopted by secret ballot by the majority of the votes of the Deputies participating in the vote if more than half of the total number of Deputies have participated.
6. If as a result of voting the resolution of the National Assembly indicated in Paragraph 5 of this Article does not receive the number of votes necessary for its adoption, the it is considered that the Deputy has not violated the terms of Paragraph 1 of Article 65 of the Constitution.
7. If as a result of voting the resolution of the National Assembly indicated in Paragraph 5 of this Article receives the number of votes necessary for its adoption, then minutes on the termination of the powers of the Deputy on the basis of this resolution and the conclusion of the ethics commission are drawn, signed by the Chairperson of the National Assembly and sent to the Central Electoral Commission within a 5-day period. (Supplement by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012)
Article 100. Presentation of and Debate on the Annual Action Plan of the Control Chamber
1. The draft annual action plan of the Control Chamber is submitted for the debate of the National Assembly at least 60 days before the beginning of the fiscal year.
2. The debate on the draft annual action plan of the Control Chamber at the sitting of the National Assembly begins no later than the first four-day sitting of the December preceding the new fiscal year.
3. The draft annual action plan of the Control Chamber submitted for debate at the sitting of the National Assembly is accompanied by a bulletin with the proposals on the amendments and supplements to it submitted by Deputies during preliminary discussions, which consists of the following columns:
a) the author of the proposal;
b) the text or the content of the proposal;
c) the conclusion of the Council of the Control Chamber on the proposal.
4. The draft annual action plan of the Control Chamber is debated at the sitting of the National Assembly in the manner prescribed by Article 55 of this Law.
5. The principal report is delivered by the Chairperson of the Control Chamber, and the supplementary report is delivered by the representative of the Standing Committee on Financial-Credit and Budgetary Affairs of the National Assembly. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012)
6. If the National Assembly does not approve of the draft annual action plan of the Control Chamber, the proposals included in the executive summary are voted on one by one without any debate.
7. The annual action plan of the Control Chamber is developed on the basis of the approved proposals.
8. No amendments or supplements are made to the draft annual action plan of the Control Chamber. (Amended by the LA-12 dated 25.12.2006)
Article 101. Debating the Report of the Control Chamber on the Results of its Oversight (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
1. The report of the Control Chamber on the results of its oversight submitted for debate in the National Assembly no later than three months from the end of the fiscal year and debated by the National Assembly by the end of the particular regular session. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
2. The report of the Control Chamber on the results of its oversight is debated by the National Assembly in the manner prescribed by Article 55 of this Law and the debate is completed with concluding speeches without adopting any document. (Supplemented by the LA-12 dated 25.12.2006, Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
3.,The chairperson of the Control Chamber delivers the main report during the debate while the representative of the Standing Committee on Financial-Credit and Budgetary Affairs of the National Assembly delivers the supplementary report.
4. During the debate on the report of the Control Chamber on the results of its oversight, the Government has a right to one supplementary report and two extraordinary speeches. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
5. (Paragraph 5 became ineffective, amended by the LA-12 dated 25.12.2006)
6. (Paragraph 6 became ineffective, amended by the LA-12 dated 25.12.2006)
7. The Standing Committee on Financial-Credit and Budgetary Field of the National Assembly shall study the current reports and conclusions of the Control Chamber as well as the submitted written information, related to the liquidation of the fixed and revealed infringements by the officials of the controlled subject, in the current reports and conclusions. As a result of the survey, for discussing them the committee may make a decision to convene;
a) a committee sitting;
b) joint sitting of the committees with the corresponding field committee;
8. the debate of the issues in the committee or committees sittings shall take place through the following succession;
a) the speech of the representative of the Control Chamber;
b) questions to the representative of the Control Chamber and the answers;
c) the speech of the official of the subject in control;
d) questions to the official of the subject in control and the answers.
The debates are completed with the exchange of opinions. (Supplemented by the LA-17 dated 25.03.2015)
Article 102. Submission of the Monetary Policy Plan of the Central Bank (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
1. Within one month from the moment of its submission to the National Assembly by the Central Bank the monetary policy plan stipulated by the Law of the Republic of Armenia on the Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia, is included in the agenda of the four-day sittings of the National Assembly. (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
2. Within two days after receiving the monetary policy plan of the Central Bank the Chairperson of the National Assembly sends it to the standing committees of the National Assembly and the Government.
3. The Chairperson of the Central Bank is given up to 40 minutes to present the monetary policy plan of the Central Bank at a sitting of the National Assembly,.
4. Representatives of the Government and the Standing Committee on Financial-Credit and Budgetary Affairs deliver up to 20-minute supplementary reports each. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012)
5. The monetary policy plan of the Central Bank is debated in the manner prescribed by Article 55 of this Law and ends with the concluding speeches of the representative of the Standing Committee on Financial-Credit and Budgetary Affairs and the Chairperson of the Central Bank without adopting any document. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012)
(Amended by the LA-38 dated 25.12.2006)
Article 103. Submission of the Report on the Implementation of the Monetary Policy Plan of the Central Bank
1. Within one month from the moment of its submission to the National Assembly by the Central Bank the report on the implementation of the monetary policy plan stipulated by the Law of the Republic of Armenia on the Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia is included in the agenda of the four-day sitting of the National Assembly.
2., Within 2 days from the moment of receiving the report on the implementation of the monetary policy plan of the Central bank the Chairperson of the National Assembly sends it to the standing committees and to the Government.
3. The Chairperson of the Central Bank is given up to 40 minutes for presenting the report on the implementation of the monetary policy plan of the Central Bank at the sitting of the National Assembly.
4. Up to 20-minute supplementary reports are delivered by:
a) the representative of the Standing Committee on Financial-Credit and Budgetary Affairs of the National Assembly to present the conclusion of the committee on the report on the implementation of the monetary policy plan of the Central Bank;
b) the representative of the Government to present the conclusion of the Government on the report on the implementation of the monetary policy plan of the Central Bank.
5. The debate on the report on the implementation of the monetary policy plan of the Central Bank is held in the manner prescribed by Article 55 of this Law and ends with concluding speeches without adopting any document. (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
Article 103.1. Prosecutor General's Report Presentation and Discussion
1. Before April 1 of each year, the Prosecutor General presents a report to the President and the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia on the previous year's activity of the Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Armenia
2. After receiving the report, the President of the National Assembly within two days, shall put it into circulation and within a month shall include it on the draft agenda of the four-day sittings of the National Assembly.
3. The report shall be debated at the sitting of the National Assembly by the procedure defined by Article 55 of this Law with the following differences.
1) A speech of up to one hour shall be delivered by the Prosecutor General.
2) There shall be no related reports.
3) The debate of the report shall be completed by the closing speech of the Prosecutor General, without adopting any document.
(Supplemented by the LA - 3 dated 11.03.2014)
Article 104. The Procedure for Debates on Reports, Projects and Communications
1. In cases foreseen by law, the reports, projects and communications are debated in a sitting of the National Assembly by a special procedure in the manner prescribed by Article 59 of this Law, unless this Law provides otherwise.
2. In cases foreseen by law, the reports approved as a law are debated by the National Assembly in one reading, while the projects are debated in two readings.
Article 104.1. The Procedure for Adopting Addresses and Statements
1. In accordance with Article 62 of the Constitution, the National Assembly may adopt addresses and statements.
2. The address or statement is the expression of the position of the National Assembly on certain issues, events and facts.
3. The draft of an address or statement of the National Assembly is submitted to the National Assembly and put into circulation for a resolutions of the National Assembly in the manner prescribed by Articles 48 and 52 of this Law.
4. The draft of the address or statement submitted by the Chairperson of the National Assembly is included in the agendas of the regular session and the forthcoming four-day sitting without voting and debated out of turn.
5. The address or statement of the National Assembly is debated and adopted in the manner prescribed by Articles 55 and 60 of this Law. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
Article 104.2. The Procedure for Organizing a Debate on the Issue Considered Extraordinary by the Opposition Faction
1. The draft of a Law or resolution of the National Assembly may, by the author’s consent and the decision of the opposition faction, be considered extraordinary if that draft is in circulation and the conclusion of the lead committee on it has been received or the date of receipt has expired.
The decision of the opposition faction on considering the draft law or the draft resolution of the National Assembly extraordinary is submitted to the Chairperson of the National Assembly no later than on Friday 17.00 pm prior to the forthcoming four-day sitting.
2. The following may not be considered extraordinary by the opposition faction :
a) The draft of the Constitution or constitutional amendments and the draft laws on which referendum is to be held;
b) The debates on the draft laws for the second and third readings;
c) the draft resolutions of the National Assembly on elections to offices appointed by the National Assembly, termination of powers (dismissal).
3. The issues considered extraordinary by opposition factions are included in the agenda of each second four-day sitting of the regular session and are debated on Tuesday at the second sitting of those sittings.
4. Only one question considered extraordinary by the opposition faction may be included in the agenda of the sittings foreseen by Paragraph 3 of this Article for the purpose of a debate.
If there are more than one opposition factions, the order of sittings foreseen by Paragraph 3 of this Article for the debate of the issues considered extraordinary by these opposition factions, is determined during the same convocation of the National Assembly according to the number of their members – from largest to smallest.
5. If the National Assembly does not adopt a resolution on a special procedure for debate on an issue, then the issue considered extraordinary by the opposition faction is debated in one sitting of the National Assembly in the manner prescribed by Article 55 of this Law with the following differences;
a) up to 7 minutes are allotted for presentations and final speeches;
b) up to 1 minute is allotted for the questions and answers;
c) the overall duration of questions and answers may not exceed 20 minutes;
d) up to 3 minutes are allotted for speeches, including the extraordinary speeches and speeches of the representatives of factions and deputy groups;
e) the overall duration of speeches may not exceed 30 minutes;
f) At the time of a debate on an issue a break may be declared only by the resolution of the National Assembly. (Supplemented by the LA-182 dated 23.10.2008)
CHAPTER 14
THE PROCEDURES FOR DEBATE ON ISSUES RELATED TO THE GOVERNMENT
Article 105. The Procedure for Addressing Questions to the Government
1. In accordance with Article 80 of the Constitution, Deputies have a right to address questions in written or verbal form to the Government. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
2. In one month a Deputy may address one written and one oral question to the Government.
3. In the last sitting on each Wednesday of the four-day sitting of the regular session, the Prime Minister and the members of the Government answer the Deputies’ questions.
4. The Deputy submits the written question to the staff, which sends it to the Government on the same day. Within two weeks from the moment of receiving the question, the Prime Minister or, on his/her assignment, the relevant member of the Government answer the question in a sitting of the National Assembly, having given an advance notice to the Deputy and the staff. The Deputy receives the answer to his/her question in writing.
5. The answers to written questions are given in the order in which they were received, as soon as the answer is ready, unless the deputy refuses to voice his/her question.
6. A Deputy presents his/her written question addressed to the Government on the microphone within three minutes, which is followed by the up to 3-minute answer of the Prime Minister or a member of the Government. The Deputy may express his/her opinion related to the answer within 2 minutes, to which the Prime Minister or a member of the Government may respond within 2 minutes. (Amended by the LA-404 dated 03.07.2002)
7. If the time limit of the sitting is not over after the answers to the written questions have been given, the Deputies may, in the manner prescribed by Paragraph 6 of this Article and Article 57 of this Law, address oral questions to the Government, each of which relates to an area which is in the competence of one member of the Government.
7.1. In the case foreseen by Paragraph 7 of this Article, the first oral questions are those of the 3 registered members of opposition factions, after which other registered Deputies take the floor with oral questions. (Supplemented by the LA-182 dated 23.10.2008)
8. The procedure stipulated by this Article does not limit the right of a deputy to directly address the Government in writing and receive an answer in the manner prescribed by the law.
9. If the Prime Minister or member of the Government proposes answering a Deputy’s question in writing, then the right of the Deputy to address one oral question under Paragraph 2 of this Article is preserved. (Supplemented by the LA-70 dated 12.04.2011)
Article 105.1. Procedure for the Interpellations, Organizing a Debate and Resolving Them
1. The interpellation is a written inquiry addressed by a faction or deputy group to the Government on a matter within the competence, which may be debated at the National Assembly and on which the National Assembly may adopt a resolution.
Within one regular session a faction or deputy group may address an interpellation to the Government no more than once, excluding those interpellations, which the faction or the deputy group has refused to debate.
2. The faction or deputy group submits the interpellation to the staff, which sends it to the Government on the same day. Enclosed with the interpellation may be memos, conclusions, other informational and analytic materials.
3. Within 20 days after receiving the interpellation the Government replies in writing to the faction or deputy group, which is the author of the interpellation. The interpellations, in the order of the answers received, are included in the agenda of the forthcoming four-day sitting of the regular session if the faction or the deputy group which author of the interpellation does not object to a debate on their interpellation. The interpellations included in the agenda are debated during the second sitting of each Wednesday of the four-day sittings of the regular session. The sequence of the debate on the interpellations is decided according to the number of the factions and deputy groups - from smallest to largest.
4. A debate on the interpellation begins with the 5-minute speeches of the representative of the faction or deputy group which is the author of the interpellation and the Prime Minister or, upon his/her assignment, the appropriate member of the head of the body of public administration under the Government, following which they may take a floor in the same order for 10 minutes.
5. The representative of the faction or deputy group, which is the author of the interpellation may propose in his/her concluding speech to adopt a resolution on submitting proposals on the interpellation to the competent bodies of public administration and public officials, which will be put to the vote at the end of the debate on the interpellation.
6. If the resolution of the National Assembly foreseen by Paragraph 5 of this Article does not receive enough votes for adoption, or no such proposal is made, the faction or deputy group may again address the same interpellation to the Government four months later.
7. The Chairperson of the National Assembly signs the resolution of the National Assembly on submitting proposals the competent bodies of public administration and public officials and within 24 hours sends it to the appropriate body and (or) public official which send their answers in writing to the Chairperson of the National Assembly by the beginning of the forthcoming four-day sitting, if no other term is stipulated in the resolution of the National Assembly.
The written answers, according to the sequence of their receipt, are voiced by the Chairperson of the National Assembly at the beginning of the first sitting of each Wednesday of the four-day sitting of the regular session.
8. The interpellations and their answers are published in Hayastani Hanrapetutyun (Republic of Armenia) daily. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
Article 105.2 The Draft Laws Deemed Urgent by the Decision of the Government
1. If the draft law or package of drafts deemed urgent by the decision of the Government is submitted at least 5 days before the first four-day sitting, then:
a) the staff sends its conclusion foreseen by Sub-Paragraph ‘a’ of Paragraph 1 of Article 51 of this Law no later than 2 days before the forthcoming four-day sitting;
b) the lead committee submits its conclusion foreseen by Sub-Paragraph ‘b’ of Paragraph 1 of Article 51 of this Law no later than 2 hours before the forthcoming four-day sitting;
c) the draft or package of drafts is included in the agenda of the regular session and the forthcoming four-day sitting without voting and voted during that four-day sitting.
2. If the draft law or package of drafts deemed urgent by the Government is submitted 4 days prior to the forthcoming four-day sitting, then:
a) the staff submits its conclusion foreseen by Sub-Paragraph ‘a’ of Paragraph 1 of Article 51 of this Law within a four-day period of time but not later than 2 days before the four-day sitting following the forthcoming four-day sitting;
b) the lead committee submits its conclusion foreseen by Sub-Paragraph ‘b’ of Paragraph 1 of Article 51 of this Law within a 20-day period but no later than 2 hours before the four-day sitting following the forthcoming four-day sitting;
c) the draft or package of drafts is included in the agenda of the regular session and the four-day sitting following the forthcoming four-day sitting without voting and debated by the first reading and voted on in the course of that four-day sitting.
3. The lead committee may submit its conclusion on the draft law or package of drafts deemed urgent by the Government by the time the conclusion of the staff foreseen by Sub-Paragraph ‘a’ of Paragraph 1 of Article 51 of this Law, Sub-Paragraph ‘a’ of Paragraph 1 of this Article or Sub-Paragraph ‘a’ of Paragraph 1 of this Article or the expiry of the deadline for receiving it.
4. In the case foreseen by Paragraph 2 of Article 66 of this Law, the proposals of the draft law or package of drafts adopted by the first reading are submitted to the staff within a 3-day period following the receipt of the draft law or package of drafts.
5. In the case foreseen by Paragraph 1 of Article 67 of this Law, by a decision the Government submits to the lead committee within 7 days following the expiry of the timeframe set by Paragraph 4 of this Article, and the lead committee submits its conclusion as well as the final version of the draft law or package of drafts along with the relevant bulletin to the Chairperson of the National Assembly within 3 days following the receipt of the documents submitted by the Government but no later than 2 hours before the forthcoming four-day sitting if the resolution of the National Assembly does not provide otherwise.
6. If the draft law or package of drafts deemed urgent by the decision of the Government is debated in the National Assembly in three readings, then in its submitted for the third reading within a 10-day period from the moment of its adoption by the second reading in the manner prescribed by Paragraph 1 of Article 71 of this Law.
7. The draft law or package of drafts deemed urgent by the resolution of the Government is included in the agenda of the forthcoming four-day sitting with a view to debate in the second or third readings and debated by the relevant reading and voted on in the course of that four-day sitting.
8. The draft law or package of drafts deemed urgent by the Government is not regarded as urgent if:
a) the main reporter is absent at the time of the debate on the draft law or package of drafts in the National Assembly and another authorized representative of the Government does not act instead of him/her;
b) the Government does not submit the relevant documents to the lead committee in the timeframe foreseen by Paragraph 5 of this Article;
c) the draft law or package of drafts is not submitted for the third reading in the timeframe set by Paragraph 6 of this Article;
d) Upon the proposal of the Government and the resolution of the National Assembly the timeframes for a debate on the draft law or package of drafts or those foreseen by this Article are extended by a timeframe exceeding that under Sub-Paragraph ‘a’ of Article 74.1 of the Constitution.
9. The timeframe foreseen by Paragraph ‘a’ of Article 74.1 of the Constitution may not be regarded expired if the National Assembly adopts a resolution on the draft law or package of drafts deemed urgent by the Government and refuses to adopt it by the first, second or third reading in whole adopts it as a law after it has been circulated:
a) within three months in the course of the regular session if not less than three months remained until the end of that session;
b) within three months of the two consecutive regular sessions if less than three months remained to the expiry of the first session.
10. Upon the proposal of the Chairperson of the National Assembly or the Prime Minister, the President of the Republic may dissolve the National Assembly on the ground foreseen by Paragraph ‘a’ of Article 74.1 of the Constitution within 6 months from the expiry of the timeframe foreseen by Sub-Paragraphs ‘a’ and ‘b’ of Paragraph 9 of this Article, excluding the case when in that period the National Assembly adopts the draft law or package of drafts regarded urgent by the resolution of the Government.
11. If the timeframes foreseen by Paragraphs 5 and 6 of this Article expire by the Monday of the four-day sitting, then these timeframes are regarded expired 2 hours prior to the first sitting of the forthcoming four-day sitting. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012)
Article 106. Submission of the Government Programme
1. Within a 20-day period from the date of its formation, the Government submits its programme to the National Assembly.
2. The motion on approving the Government programme is debated by the National Assembly out of turn within 48 hours after the Government programme has been received.
3. The Prime Minister has up to one hour to present the Government programme.
4. The Prime Minister is asked questions on the presented programme in the manner prescribed by Article 57 of this Law, which is followed by the exchange of opinions in the manner prescribed by Article 58 of this Law. Following the exchange of opinions, the Prime Minister may deliver an up to 1-hour concluding speech.
5. The issue of approving the Government programme is put to the vote by the National Assembly within a 5-day period of its submission.
The resolution of the National Assembly on approving the Government programme is adopted by the majority of the votes of the total number of the Deputies.
6. If the National Assembly does not approve of the Government programme, the Prime Minister applies to the President of the Republic for the resignation of the Government. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
Article 107. The Procedure for Debating on the Draft Resolution on Giving the Government a Vote of No Confidence
1. The draft resolution of the National Assembly on giving the Government a vote of no confidence may be submitted by:
a) at least one third of the total number of Deputies in cases stipulated by Paragraph 3 of Article 60, and Paragraph 6 of Articles 84 and 89 of this Law within 24 hours from the moment the issue of giving the Government a vote of confidence has been raised; (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
a.1) at least one third of the total number of Deputies. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
b) the President of the Republic. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
1.1 The draft resolution of the National Assembly on giving the Government a vote of no confidence may not be submitted during martial law or state of emergency. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
2. The initiative indicated in Sub-Paragraphs ‘a’ or ‘a.1’ of Paragraph 1 of this Article is implemented by signing the form received from the staff and submitting it to the Chairperson of the National Assembly. Once submitted to the Chairperson of the National Assembly, the form may not be changed. If the form is not submitted to the Chairperson of National Assembly within 24 hours after it has been received, it is considered to be expired. If the form is submitted to the Chairperson of the National Assembly within the specified time period and along with the required number of signatures, then:
a) in the cases indicated in Sub-Paragraph ‘a’ of Paragraph 1 of this Article, within 24 hours the National Assembly starts the debate on the draft resolution on giving the Government a vote of no confidence;
b) in the case indicated in Sub-Paragraph ‘a.1’ of Paragraph 1 of this Article, the draft resolution on giving the Government a vote of no confidence is included in the agendas of the regular session and the forthcoming four-day sitting without voting, and debated out of turn. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
3. The draft resolution on giving the Government a vote of no confidence is debated in the manner prescribed by Article 55 of this Law, with the following differences:
a) the President of the Republic, or the representative of the Deputies who initiated the issue deliver an up to a 30-minute report, followed by a supplementary report of the same duration by the Prime Minister; (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
b) the President of the Republic or the representative of the Deputies who initiated the issue, and the Prime Minister deliver up to a 30-minute concluding speech, after which only the President of the Republic of Armenia is entitled to an extraordinary speech. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
4. The draft resolution on giving the Government a vote of no confidence is put to the vote no sooner than within 48 hours and no later than within 72 hours after it is submitted. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
5. The resolution on giving the Government a vote of no confidence is adopted by the majority of votes of the total number of Deputies. (Amended by the LA-404 dated 03.07.2002)
6. In case the above resolution is adopted, the Prime Minister submits an application on the resignation of the Government to the President of the Republic.
Article 108. Definition of the Administrative and Territorial Division of the Republic of Armenia (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
1. In accordance with Article 82 of the Constitution, on the proposal of the Government the National Assembly defines the administrative and territorial division of the Republic of Armenia. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
2. The draft Law on the Administrative and Territorial Division of the Republic of Armenia submitted by the Government is proposed, circulated and included in the agenda of the four-day sitting of the regular session in the National Assembly in the manner prescribed by Articles 50, 51 and 54 of this Law.
3. The draft Law on the Administrative and Territorial Division of the Republic of Armenia is debated by the National Assembly in three readings in the manner prescribed by Chapter 8 of this Law.
Article 109. The Government Report on the Implementation of the Programme of Privatization of State Property in the Current Year
1. The Government submits its report on the implementation of the programme of privatization of state property to the National Assembly by 1 May of the following year.
2. Within 2 days from the date of receipt of this report the Chairperson of the National Assembly sends it to the standing committees and the Control Chamber.
3. The representative of the Government is allotted 40 minutes to present the report at the sitting of the National Assembly.
4. Up to 20-minute supplementary reports are delivered by:
a) the Chairperson of the Control Chamber to present the conclusion of the Control Chamber on the report;
b) the representative of the Standing Committee in the area of economy to present the conclusion of the committee on the report. (Amended by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007; amended by the LA-111 dated 19.03.2012)
5. The report is debated by the National Assembly in the manner prescribed by Article 55 and Paragraph 2 of Article 104 of this Law. (Amended by the LA-404 dated 03.07.2002)
CHAPTER 15
ORGANIZATION OF THE WORK OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Article 110. The Working Meeting of the National Assembly
1. The draft agendas of the regular session and the four-day sittings, as well as the issues foreseen by Paragraph 2 of Article 18, Paragraph 3 of Article 79, Paragraph 3 of Article 87, Paragraph 4 of Article 112 and Paragraph 2 of Article 113 of this Law are debated in advance at the working meetings normally summoned on Friday at 17:30 pm. The meetings are attended by the Chairperson of the National Assembly, the Vice-Chairpersons of the National Assembly, the chairpersons of standing committees, the leaders of factions and deputy groups or their secretaries, the authorized representatives of the President of the Republic of Armenia and the Prime Minister, the permanent representative of the President of the Republic in the National Assembly, as well as other persons invited by the Chairperson of the National Assembly. (Amended and supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007, supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
2. The protocol of the working meeting is signed by the presiding officer.
3. Taking into consideration the proposals presented at the working meeting, the Chairperson of the National Assembly approves of the draft agendas of the regular session, the draft agenda on making supplements to it and the draft agenda of the four-day sittings, and submits them for a debate in the National Assembly.
Article 110.1. The Procedure for Applying to the Constitutional Court in the Cases Foreseen by Paragraphs 1 and 3 of Article 100 of the Constitution.
1. According to Paragraph of Article 101 of the Constitution at least one fifth of Deputies may apply to the Constitutional Court in the cases foreseen by Paragraphs 1 and 3 of Article 100 of the Constitution.
2. The Deputies’ initiative to apply to the Constitutional Court on issues foreseen by Paragraphs 1 and 3 of Article 100 of the Constitution is realized through signing the form received from the staff and submitting it to the Chairperson of the National Assembly. If the form is submitted to the Chairperson of the National Assembly with the signatures of at least one fifth of the overall number of Deputies then s/he sends the application with the form to the Constitutional Court within 24 hours, following which the form may not be changed. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007)
Article 111. The Activities of the Staff
The normative, expert, legal, organizational, documentation, analytical, informational, financial - economic and logistical aspects of the activities of the National Assembly are ensured by the staff, which is established in the manner prescribed by the law and functions on the basis of laws and its regulations. (Supplemented by the LA-69 dated 24.12.2004)
Article 112. Coverage of the Activities of the National Assembly
1. The National Assembly may have publishing bodies.
2. The open sittings of the National Assembly are broadcast live by the television and radio company having won the tender in the manner prescribed by Paragraph 2.1 of this Article unless the National Assembly decides otherwise.
The live TV broadcast of the open sittings of the National Assembly begins within 1 hour after a resolution on this is adopted by the National Assembly.
The open sittings of the National Assembly are broadcast online on the website of the National Assembly. The staff is responsible for online broadcast. (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009; supplemented by the LA-70 dated 12.04.2011)
2.1. The television and radio live broadcast of the open sittings of the National Assembly, as well as their video recorded broadcast as foreseen by Paragraphs 3 and 4 of Article 35 of this Law, and by Paragraph 4 of this Article, is done from the state budget by the television and radio company having won the tender (television company, radio Company) in the manner prescribed by the legislation on state procurement. The terms of the tender, including the requirements to the hours of broadcast and the coverage are determined by the Chairperson of the National Assembly. (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
3. Coverage of the activities of the National Assembly by the mass media is organized by the staff, which:
a) produces the official communication (information) of the National Assembly for release by the Public Television and Radio Company;
b) produces the video recordings of the Deputies’ statements stipulated by Paragraph 3 of Article 35 of this Law, as well as the preparation of the television program Parliamentary Hour stipulated by Paragraph 4 of this Article and of other television programmes. (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
c) holds briefings and press conferences of the Chairperson of the National Assembly, his/her Vice Chairpersons, committees, factions, deputy groups, delegations of the National Assembly and the Deputies on business trips. (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
c.1 ) posts the results of participation of the Deputies in the open sitting of the National Assembly and the results of their personal voting on the website of the National Assembly.
d) issues other informational materials.
4. The coverage of the parliamentary activities of the National Assembly, its committees, factions and deputy groups is carried out by the staff through the television programme Parliamentary Week. The committees, factions and deputy groups, as well as Deputies not included in them are provided up to 3 minutes in the manner prescribed by Sub-Paragraph ‘k.2’ of Paragraph 1 of Article 18 of this Law and in the alphabetical order (with equal participation), following which 15 minutes are allotted to the staff to cover the parliamentary events. The television programme Parliamentary Week is broadcast on Sunday during the sessions of the National Assembly, by the television company foreseen by Paragraph 2.1 of this Article. (Amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
5. (Paragraph became ineffective as amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04. 2009)
5.1. In the cases of video recordings of the sittings of the National Assembly foreseen by Paragraphs 3 and 4 of Article 35 of this Law, as well as live broadcasting of meetings of the sittings of the National Assembly and in the cases defined by the resolution of the National Assembly, the video (audio) recording of the National Assembly is carried out by the television and radio company (television company, radio company) as stipulated by Paragraph 2.1 of this Article. (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04. 2009)
6. The right to submit proposals to the Chairperson of the National Assembly on the official communications (information) about the activities of the National Assembly belongs to the Vice-Vice-Chairpersons of the National Assembly as well as the chairpersons of the committees.
Article 113. Inter-Parliamentary Relations
1. The National Assembly may conclude inter-parliamentary agreements with the legislative or highest representative body of another state to regulate friendship and cooperation, exchange of experience, mutual assistance, formulation of friendship groups, exchange of delegations and other relations.
2. An inter-Parliamentary agreement is defined as any written agreement that has been drawn in the form of an agreement, memorandum, protocol or document bearing any other internationally accepted name and, after being discussed at a working meeting of the National Assembly signed by the Chairperson of the National Assembly.
3. The right to initiate the signing of an inter-parliamentary agreement belongs to the Chairperson of the National Assembly, the Vice-Chairpersons of the National Assembly, the factions, deputy and friendship groups and the standing committees. (Supplemented by the LA-111 dated 26.02.2007; amended by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
4. If the proposal to sign an inter-parliamentary agreement was made by the legislative or higher representative body of another state, then it is debated in the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations and, within a one-week, submitted to the Chairperson of the National Assembly.
5. A Deputy who has visited a foreign state on an assignment submits it to the staff a memo on the completed work within 10 days after s/he has returned.
The Deputies and delegations of the National Assembly who have visited a foreign state on an assignment by the National Assembly hold a briefing or press conference in the manner prescribed by Sub-Paragraph ‘k’ of Paragraph 1 of Article 18 of this Law within 10 days after their return. (Supplemented by the LA-113 dated 30.04.2009)
Article 114. Coming Into Force of the Law
1. This Law comes into force immediately on its official promulgation.
2. Once this Law comes into force, the Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, together with its amendments and supplements shall become ineffective.
R. Kocharyan,
President of the Republic of Armenia
21 March 2002
LA-308
Law of the Republic of Armenia Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly LA-308 dated 20 February 2002, with amendments and supplements of the LA-404 dated 03.07.2002; LA-69 dated 24.12.2004; LA-12 dated 25.12.2006; LA-38 dated 25.12.2006; LA-111 dated 26.02.2007; LA-124 dated 22.02.2007; LA-60 dated 26.05.2008; LA-182 dated 23.10.2008; LA-212 dated 27.11.2008; LA-225 dated 02.12.2008; LA-111 dated 28.04.2009; LA-113 dated 30.04.2009; LA-181 dated 07.10.2009; LA-41 dated 08.04.2010; LA-93 dated 18.05.2010; LA-205 dated 07.12.2010; LA-108 dated 21.03.2011; LA-70 dated 12.04.2011; LA-111 dated 19.03.2012; LA-174 dated 13.09.2012; LA-249 dated 19.12.2012 LA-3 dates 11.03.2014; LA-17 dated 25.03.2015
for the Working Group of Experts
(Budget Office)
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
1. This supplement shall define the organization of implementations of functions and activity purpose, defined by Article 23 of the Law of the Republic of Armenia
“Rules of Procedure” (hereinafter; Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly) of the working group of the experts (Budget Office,) their implementation terms, clerical work and procedure and conditions of mutual collaboration with deputies, standing committees, factions, deputy groups and with the staff of the National Assembly.
2. Within the framework of the functions, defined by the 7th item of Article 23 of the Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly, and by the Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly, and in cases defined by the supplement and proceedings, the Budget Office shall provide professional support and information to the Deputies, standing committees, and factions.
3. During the implementation of its functions, the Budget Office shall utilize the official documents and information of the officials of the Republic of Armenia.
4. The Budget Office is autonomous while implementing its functions. The Budget Office implements its activity according to the legal acts related to it.
5. The general coordination and continuous observation of the Budget Office shall be executed by the financial-credit and budgetary field of the National Assembly.
6. The direct coordination, organization and control of the experts’ work of the Budget Office shall be executed by the coordinating expert of the Budget Office, who is responsible for impeccable execution of Budget Office functions.
7. The coordinating expert and other experts of the Budget Office shall execute their working activity according to the conditions of the working agreement, signed between them and the staff of the National Assembly.
8. Within the defined time limits of the present supplement, on the basis of inquiries of Deputies, standing committees, factions and deputy groups with invalid reason not providing, showing or delaying certificates, descriptions, information or support or providing them not authentically or completely, may become a basis for calling the law breaking expert to working responsibility.
9. The working conditions, material, technical, clerical, organizational, informational, and programmatic necessary support shall be provided by the staff of the National Assembly.
10. The official complete name of the Budget Office is Experts’ Working Group and the abbreviated version: Budget Office.
11. The Budget Office has its internet page in the National Assembly official web site.
12. The residence of the Budget Office is: 19 Marshal Baghramyan, Yerevan.
CHAPTER 2
EXECUTION OF THE BUDGET OFFICE FUNCTIONS
13. The powers of the Budget Office shall be executed by the coordinating expert or an expert replacing him, defined by the second paragraph of the 8th item of Article 23 of the Law “Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly” of the Republic of Armenia.
14. The Budget Office shall submit to the financial-credit and budgetary field of the National Assembly;
1) the summary of the annual report of the state budget draft and state budget execution.
2) Government submitted summary of the certificate related to the state budget execution process.
15) to the Deputies, standing committees, factions and deputy groups the Budget Office shall
1) provide;
a) certificates related to the document presented through programmatic and (or) through another format in the state draft budget, an annual report on state budget execution, budget revenues and the budget expenditures in it,
b) state draft budget branch, programmatic, field summery and certificates,
c) certificates related to budget revenues expenditures (including non-budgetary means,) as well as allotments in the state budget, with allotted means (including non-budgetary means,)
d) certificates related to the state debt of the Republic of Armenia and credit programs, fulfilled by the support of foreign countries and international organizations in the Republic of Armenia, including the influence of credit service on the state budget as well as providing certificates related to allotted grants to the Republic of Armenia of the foreign countries and international organizations as well as other persons,
e) brief descriptions and certificates related to the branch, programmatic, and field annual report on the state budget implementation,
f) certificates related to the annual and current reports and the conclusions of the Control Chamber,
g) information related to the adopted proposals in the state draft budget, according to the corresponding article of budget classification of expenditure, and the number of the chart of the state draft budget,
h) other information related to the state budget execution process,
2) support;
a) in formulating proposals on making amendments to the state draft budget, and if necessary, to implement accountings,
b) in formulating questions, inquiries and motions related to state budget execution.
16. The Budget Office shall organize training courses for the Deputies and for standing committees’ experts related to budgeting format
17. The budget Office shall present quarterly accounts and annual reports related to its work done to the standing committee of financial-credit and budgetary field of the National assembly. The annual report shall be put on the web page of the Budget Office.
18. The Budget Office, for providing information related to the state draft budget execution process, shall provide an online review of state budget revenues, according to taxes, dues, official grants and other kinds of receipts, as well as of functions with state budget expenses and non financial assets and funding sources of state budget deficit, at a supplemental details level of the Law of the Republic of Armenia on State Budget of the given Year:
19. The experts of the Budget Office, in the sittings of the National Assembly or in their joint sittings, may participate in the debates of the Government submitted certificate related to state draft budget, annual report on state budget execution and state budget execution (quarterly) process.
CHAPTER 3
TIME LIMITS, PROCEDURE AND FORMS OF THE EXECUTION OF THE BUDGET OFFICE FUNCTIONS
20. The budget Office shall be sovereign in implementing the functions, as mentioned in the 14th paragraph of the present supplement in the following time limits.
1) The summaries, as mentioned in the 1st sub paragraph of the 14th paragraph of the present supplement, shall be prepared and submitted within 10(ten) working days after receiving the state draft budget and the annual report on the state budget execution;
2) The summary, referenced in the 2nd sub paragraph of the 14th paragraph of the present supplement on the state budget execution process, shall be prepared and submitted within 5(five) working days after receiving the Government submitted certificate.
21. In case there are written inquiries from Deputies, standing committees, factions and deputy groups, within its information, the Budget Office shall implement the functions, mentioned in the 15th paragraph of the present supplement within the following time limits.
1) The mentioned functions in the “a,” “b,” “c,” “d,” “e,” “f,” “g” and “h” paragraphs of the
1st sub paragraph of the 15th paragraph of the present supplement shall be implemented within 10(ten) working days after receiving the submission of the corresponding inquiry;
2) The mentioned functions in the “a,” “b” paragraphs of the 2nd sub paragraph of the 15th paragraph of the present supplement shall be implemented within 3(three) working days after receiving the submission of the inquiry.
22. The function mentioned in the 16th paragraph of the present supplement shall be implemented according to the time limit agreed with the Chair of the standing committee on financial-credit and budgetary field of the National Assembly if there are written claims from at least 10 deputies or at least 10 experts of standing committees together with the necessary financial means.
23. The quarterly reports mentioned in the 17th paragraph of the present supplement shall be presented within 20(twenty) working days after the end of each quarter, and the annual report within 20(twenty) working days after the end of each year. The annual report, within 3 (three) working days after being submitted to the standing committee on financial-credit and budgetary field of the National Assembly, shall be put on the web page of the Budget Office.
24. The inquiry (hereinafter; inquiry) of the Deputies, standing committees, factions and deputy groups shall be submitted in written form and shall include;
1) the complete name of the standing committee, faction or deputy group, presenting the inquiry. In case she/he is a Deputy, her/his name, second name and the number of her/his mandate;
2) the title of the state government body, to whom the inquiry shall be presented through the Budget Office (if there is presented one;)
3) the plot of the inquiry (subject)
4) the list of the documents, enclosed to the inquiry (if there are presented such ones;)
5) the signature of the person(competent person,) presenting the inquiry;
6) the delivery year, month and date of the inquiry to the Budget Office.
25. The authorized person of the Deputy or the standing committee, faction or the deputy group shall deliver to the General Division of the National Assembly Staff, which, on the same day shall convey it to the Budget Office. The authorized person of the Deputy or the standing committee, faction or the deputy group, in case the electronic signature is present, may present the inquiry to the Budget Office by an electronic version.
26. The answer to the inquiry shall be given through the General Division of the National Assembly Staff in a written form. By the demand of the one, presenting the inquiry, the answer to the inquiry shall be provided also through e-mail.
27. The budget Office, the answer to the inquiry or the professional support, shall provide according to the received inquiries’ succession, immediately after the
answer or the professional support are ready to be provided, but not late than within the time limits mentioned in the 1st and 2nd sub paragraphs of the 21st paragraph of the present supplement, if the one presenting the inquiry does not refuse the answer or the professional support before the answer is received. And if the inquiries are presented at the same time, the inquiry of the opposition Deputy and faction shall be satisfied for the first.
28. The answer to the inquiry is provided only to the one, presenting the inquiry. The Budget Office , by the agreement of the one, presenting the inquiry, may put the answers of universal interest, on the web page of the Budget Office.
29. If the subject of the inquiry is not in the competence of the Budget Office or the state Government body, mentioned in the inquiry, then the Budget Office shall return the inquiry to the submitter, within 2 days’ time limit, after receiving the inquiry and the enclosed documents to it, mentioning the reason for returning it.
30.If it is impossible, or partly possible to make inquiry on the basis of present information at the management of the Budget Office, and (or) it is necessary to turn to the state Government body managing that information in the purpose of having the applicant information, then the Budget Office by the agreement of the one, presenting the inquiry shall;
1) collect the missing information in as short a time as possible and provide the applicant information completely or
2) on the basis of information it has, in the defined time limit, provide the part of the applicant information it has, mentioning the reasons for not providing information completely.
31. In urgent cases the inquiry may be presented verbally.
The urgent cases are;
1) the process of preliminary debates of the state draft budget in the standing committees and their joint sittings;
2) the process of the debates of the draft law on the state budget in the sitting of the National Assembly;
3) the 24 hours’ process after breaking the debate of the state draft budget;
4) the process of the preliminary debates of the annual report on the execution of the state budget;
5) the process of the debates of the annual report on the execution of the state budget in the National Assembly sitting.
32. An urgent inquiry submitted to the Deputy or the representative of the standing committee, faction and deputy group, in its initiative, may get familiarized with the necessary information in the Budget Office or verbally receive professional support. The fact of getting familiarized with the information and (or) receiving verbal support in the Budget Office shall be registered in the relevant register of the budget Office.
CHAPTER 4
ORGANIZATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INNER CLERICAL WORK OF THE BUDGET OFFICE
33. The inner clerical work of the Budget Office shall be organized and implemented secret and open clerical work, including electronic, relevant to the procedure defined in the National Assembly.
34. The responsible person for the inner clerical work in the Budget Office is the coordinating expert of the Budget Office.
35. The inner clerical work in the Budget Office shall be implemented accordant to the inner working procedure of the Budget Office.
36. The inquiry is considered to be received in the Budget Office from the moment it is registered.
37. The Budget Office, in the purpose of implementing its functions, for receiving necessary information from state and local self government bodies, officials, institutions and organizations, shall sent and receive letters with the Chair of the standing committee of financial-credit and budgetary field of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, or to the Deputy. These letters, or returned letters and the documents enclosed with them, shall be accounted for and kept in the Budget Office.
38.The Budget Office has forms with its name and other means of individualization.
(Supplemented by the LA -17 dated 25.03.2015)
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
1. The coordinating expert and other experts of the Budget Office are employed to work by the procedure of the present supplement, and by a contract of employment assigned for a 5 year term.
2. The working relations of the experts of the Budget Office shall be regulated by the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, the Labour Code of the Republic of Armenia, Law of the Republic of Armenia “Rules of Procedure,” as well as other legal acts regulating working relations.
3. The quarterly and annual reports, related to the implemented work by the Budget Office, by the results of the debates at the standing committee on financial-credit and budgetary field of the National Assembly, as well as by other cases and procedures defined by the Labour Code of the Republic of Armenia, on the basis of the decision of the committee, the Chair of the committee shall submit a mediation to the Chairperson of the National Assembly on canceling ahead of schedule the contract of employment sealed with the expert of the Budget Office for a certain time limit, or on executing a relevant working discipline fine, towards him. The Chairperson of the National Assembly, in the presence of adequate legal foundations, shall recommend the Chief of the Staff of the National Assembly to cancel the contract of employment unilaterally, assigned between the Staff and the certain expert or to execute a relevant working discipline fine towards him.
4. The staffs of the experts of the Budget Office shall be included in the staff list of the Staff of the National Assembly.
5. The description of the office of the expert of the Budget Office is a document for the expert of the Budget Office, as foreseen by the Law of the Republic of Armenia “Rules of Procedure” and by other Laws of the Republic of Armenia, by the decisions of the National Assembly, by the decisions and orders of the Chairperson of the National Assembly, defining the official rights, describing responsibilities to submitted requests, and aspects of mastering professional knowledge and working skills for holding an office as well as criteria for work experience, qualification and experience. The description of office of the expert is a component of the contract of employment to be sealed.
6.The descriptions of the office of the experts of the Budget Office shall affirm the Chairperson of the National Assembly by the submission of the Chair of the standing committee on financial - credit and budgetary field of the National Assembly.
7. The process of the working activity of the experts of the Budget Office is reflected in their private jobs, which is conducted by the Human Resources Management Subdivision of the National Assembly.
CHAPTER 2
THE REQUESTS TO THE EXPERTS OF THE BUDGET OFFICE
8. The right of occupying the office of the expert of the Budget Office requires satisfying the requirements presented by the present supplement and the post description, including fluency in Armenian, 18 years of age, and citizenship of the Republic of Armenia.
9. The requirements presented to the candidate of the relevant office for occupying the vacant office of the expert of the Budget Office in the aspects of professional knowledge, mastering working skills, work experience and practice, including the present supplement and the requirements of the certain office description are;
1) for the coordinating expert of the Budget Office;
a. higher education in the aspect of economics, public finances, accounting and public management field,
b. 7(seven) or more years of work experience in the field of state government bodies and (or) international organizations in the field of public finances management, accounting, audit or economics research, at least 5 (five) years of which should be in the state budget or planning, executing budgets of city communities or control field of the Republic of Armenia.
c. proficiency in programme budgeting,
d. mastery at least one foreign language,
2) for experts;
a. higher education in the aspects of economics, public finances, accounting and public management field,
b. 5(five) or more years of work experience in the field of state government bodies and (or) international organizations in the field of public finances management, accounting, audit or economics research, at least 3 (three) years of which should be in the state budget or planning, executing budgets of city communities or control field of the Republic of Armenia,
c. proficiency in programme budgeting,
d. mastery at least one foreign language,
10. the person may not have the right of occupying an office of the expert of the Budget Office who;
1) has been deemed as not capable to work or of limited capability through the court system;
2) suffers with an illness, which may hinder the service responsibilities in case she/he is nominated for an office in the Budget Office. The list of the illnesses is similar with the list of the illnesses hindering the implementation of the powers in case she/he is nominated for an office of the public service, affirmed by the Government of the Republic of Armenia.
3) condemned for a crime, and the conviction was not rescinded or canceled;
4) did not complete obligatory military service by breaching the law;
5) in a legal form was deprived of the right of occupying an office of public service.
CHAPTER 3
PROCEDURE FOR ELECTION (NOMINATION) OF EXPERTS OF THE BUDGET OFFICE
11. By the basis of the 1st paragraph of Article 86 of the Labour Code of the Republic of Armenia, the vacant offices of the coordinating expert and other experts of the Budget Office shall be occupied as a result of passing examinations by the procedure of competition.
12. The competition for occupying vacant office in the Budget Office shall be organized and implemented through the defined procedure, by the Chairperson of the National Assembly, who follows the foundation of the legal regulations defined by the present law.
13. The representatives of the factions of the National Assembly and deputy groups, on their own desire, may be also included in the composition of the competition commission for occupying a vacant office in the Budget Office. The representatives of the factions of the National Assembly and deputy groups shall be included in the composition of the competition commission according by the presentation of the faction and deputy group.
14. In case there is a vacancy for the office of the expert of the Budget Office, the Chair of the standing committee of financial-credit and budgetary field of the National Assembly, within a 3 day period of time, shall submit a written proposal to the Chairperson of the National Assembly related to conducting competition for occupying the vacant office.
15. The list of questions for the tests and interview, including the presumable and right answers, shall be formed by the secretariat of standing committee of the financial-credit and budgetary field of the National Assembly.
CHAPTER 4
AMMOUNT OF PAYMENT OF EXPERTS OF THE BUDGET OFFICE
16. The coordinating expert of the Budget Office shall receive sevenfold the base salary of the persons occupying state office, defined by the Law on state budget of the Republic of Armenia of the certain year and the expert in the amount of six fold.
(Supplemented by the LA -17 dated 25.03.2015)
President of the Republic of Armenia S. SARGSYAN
14.01.2017
LA-9
