SECTION FIVE 

ELECTIONS TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

 CHAPTER 20

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 93. Composition of the National Assembly

1. The number of deputies to the National Assembly of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic is regulated by the NKR Law “On the National Assembly of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic”.

Revis. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

 

Article 94. The Electoral System

 

1. Elections to the National Assembly are held by proportional and majoritarian systems.

2. 11 deputies are elected by proportional system from among the number of candidates nominated for deputy by lists from one multi-mandate constituency, covering the entire territory of the Republic.

3. 22 deputies are elected by majoritarian system – one deputy from one constituency.

 

Article 95. Electoral Right

 

1. Every citizen has the right of one vote at multi-mandate constituency, and one vote at the single-mandate constituency.

2. A citizen can be nominated exclusively by one list and exclusively at one majority constituency.

 

Article 96. Requirements for a Candidate for Deputy

 

1. According to Article 78 of the Constitution of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, anyone with electoral rights, who have attained the age of 23, has been a citizen of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic for the last five years and a permanent resident of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic for the last five years, may be elected deputy to the Republic's National Assembly.

2. Members of the Supreme Court, judges, employees of the NKR Police and National Security Service, employees of tax and customs institutions, Prosecutor's office and military servicemen cannot be registered as candidates to the National Assembly. The aforementioned persons may register as candidates to the National Assembly in case if they temporarily resign from their posts.

3. Employees of state and local self-government bodies, as well as officials not subject to the restrictions stipulated by this Article, may register as candidates to the National Assembly if they temporarily resign from their posts, except for persons on

civil positions.

Revis. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

 

 

 

CHAPTER 21

 

NOMINATION AND REGISTRATION OF

CANDIDATES FOR DEPUTIES

 

 

Article 97. The Right to Nominate a Candidate for Deputy

 

1. Parties and party alliances have the right to nominate candidates for deputies to the National Assembly by proportional system.

2. Party alliances can be set up in the event if at least two parties form a pre-electoral union.

3. In the period of elections, parties, within a party alliance, cannot join other party alliances.

4. The decision on joining a party alliance is made by the permanently functioning body of the party.

5. The party alliance is registered in the Central Electoral Commission not later than within three days after the submission of the decision of the permanently functioning body of the parties.

6. Lists of the party alliances are compiled from the separate lists presented by the each of the parties within the alliance. The order of the candidates in the party lists of the alliance is decided during the joint consultations of the parties within the alliance.

7. In case of withdrawal of a party from the party alliance the names of candidates submitted by those parties is withdrawn from the party alliance list.

8. Parties (party alliances) registered in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, in accordance with the procedure in Article 102, and the citizens, in accordance with Article 103 of this Code have the right to nominate candidates for deputies of the National Assembly by majoritarian system.

Revis. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

Article 98. Nomination of Candidates for Deputies of the National Assembly by Proportional System

 

1. Parties present application to the Central Electoral Commission on running in elections of the National Assembly by proportional system, upon the decision of their permanently functioning body. Party alliances submit applications to participate in the National Assembly elections under proportional system to the Central Electoral Commission upon a decision ratified by the permanently functioning bodies of member parties.

2. Every party has the right to submit only one electoral list of candidates to the National Assembly. Parties - members of an alliance have no right to submit on their behalf a separate electoral list of candidates to the National Assembly. Persons not belonging to any party also can be included in electoral list for elections under proportional system. Females must make at least 20% of persons included in a party’s (party alliance’s) electoral list for National Assembly elections under proportional system; moreover, at least each tenth person in a list shall be female.

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

3. The following shall be attached to a party’s (party alliance’s) application to participate in elections to the National Assembly:

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

1) the party’s Charter (in case of a party alliance - Charters of all the parties - members of the alliance), and a document about the alliance’s name;

2) the decision of the party’s permanently functioning body (in case of a party alliance, a joint decision of permanently functioning bodies of all the parties - members of the alliance) on the electoral list of candidates to the National Assembly under proportional system, which includes (in a numbered format) the candidates’ party affiliation, their last names, first names, patronymics, year, month and day of birth, passport number, registered address, place of work and position (occupation);

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

3) Removed by LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

4) Removed by LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

5) Removed by LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

6) written consent by all candidates included in the party’s (party alliance’s) electoral list to be registered as candidates to the National Assembly;

7) Removed by LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

8) individual electoral lists submitted by parties - members of an alliance.

4. Removed by LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

5. By its decision, the permanently functioning body of a party (the permanently functioning bodies of parties - members of an alliance, in case of an alliance) submits information on up to two authorized representatives to be accredited for the whole period of the elections by the Central Electoral Commission; the information includes their last name, first name, patronymic, date of birth, place of work and position (occupation).

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

6. The electoral deposit of a party (party alliance) that has received mandates in the National Assembly under proportional system is returned to that party (party alliance), or to its pre-election fund (if the electoral deposit was paid from the pre-election fund). The electoral deposit of parties that failed to receive any mandates is transferred to the state budget.

Revis. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

7. The electoral deposits are returned, if elections are declared invalid.

 

Article 99. Registration of Electoral Lists of Parties Participating in Elections to the National Assembly by Proportional System

 

1. The party’s (party alliance’s) electoral list is registered, if the party, within the timeframe and in accordance with procedures established by this Code, submits the following:

1) receipt proving that electoral deposit in the amount of 250 times the minimum wage has been paid;

2) document certifying that candidates included in the party (party alliance) list have been citizens of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic for previous five years;

3) document certifying that candidates included in the party (party alliance) list have been permanently residing in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic for the previous five years;

4) declarations of property and income of citizens nominated as candidates, in accordance with procedures defined by the NKR Law on “Declaration of Property and Income by Senior Officials of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic”.

The documents mentioned in sub-paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Item are issued to citizens nominated as candidates to the National Assembly by the authorized state body, within three days of applying for them, in accordance with procedures defined by the Central Electoral Commission.

2. In case of objection concerning registration of a party (party alliance) list, the issue of registration is put on vote. If there are no objections, the list is considered registered. Registration of a party (party alliance) list is refused, if at least 2/3 of the total number of commission members vote against it.

3. An authorized representative of the party (party alliance) has the right to attend discussion by commission of the issue of registering the party (party alliance) list.

Revis. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

 

Article 100. Denial or Invalidation of Registration of a Party (party alliance) List or a Candidate Included in the List

Amend. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

 

1. The Central Electoral Commission denies the registration of a party (party alliance) list in case if:

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

1) documents submitted for registration and/or nominations are forged;

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

2) inaccuracies have been found out in the documents, submitted for registration of the party list or the documents are incomplete. In the mentioned case, the precinct electoral commission gives 48 hours to remove inaccuracies or to complete the documents: The registration is denied in case if the inaccuracies have not been removed, or the documents have not been completed. The candidate is registered if the inaccuracies have been removed or the documents have been completed.

2. The Central Electoral Commission denies the registration of a citizen included in a party list, if:

1) restrictions set forth by the Code extend onto him/her;

2) documents submitted for his/her registration and/or nominations are forged.

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

3) In the documents of the citizen included into the party list inaccuracies have been found out or the documents are incomplete. In the mentioned case, the Central Electoral Commission gives 48 hours to remove the inaccuracies or to complete the documents. The registration is denied if the inaccuracies have not been removed or the documents have not been completed in that period of time. The citizen is registered in case if the inaccuracies have been removed or the documents have been completed.

The registration of the individual in the party list is denied by decision of at least 2/3 of the total number of votes of the electoral commission.

3. If registration of a party (party alliance) list is denied, the electoral deposit is transferred to the state budget, unless the party (party alliance) requests the electoral deposit back within the 48 hours given to correct the inaccuracies in the documents submitted for registration or supply the missing documents.

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

4. The Central Electoral Commission invalidates registration of a candidate in the party list, if the following facts are disclosed after the registration:

1) restrictions set forth by the Code extend onto the candidate;

2) documents submitted for the registration of the candidate and/or nominations are forged.

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

5. Registration of a candidate included in a party list is considered invalid, if the following facts are revealed after the registration:

1) restrictions set forth by the Code extend onto him/her;

2) documents submitted for his/her registration and/or nominations are forged. In such cases, the candidate shall be removed from the list.

6. If registration of a party list is invalidated, the electoral deposit and the money remaining in pre-election fund are transferred to the state budget.

7. Registration of a party list or a candidate included in the list is invalidated by a decision passed by at least 2/3 of the total number of the Central Electoral Commission members.

8. The Central Electoral Commission’s decision to deny or invalidate registration of a party list or a candidate included in the list may be appealed in a court within three days of passing it.

9. The party list or the candidate included in it is considered registered or reregistered, if the court regards that the electoral commission’s decision to refuse or invalidate the registration of the party (party alliance) list or the candidate in it illegal.

Amend. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

 

Article 101. Recognition of the Registration of the Party (party alliance) List and the Candidate included in it as Out of Force

Amend. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

 

1. The registration of a party (party alliance) list is recognized as out of force in case if:

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

1) an application on self-withdrawal has been submitted;

2) the requirement under Item 8 of Article 19 of this Code has been violated;

3) the requirement under Item 7 of Article 26 of this Code has been violated;

4) the party (party alliance) has been dissolved.

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

2. A party can submit an application on self-withdrawal to the Central Electoral Commission not later than ten days prior to voting.

3. Based on the application on self-withdrawal the registration of the party list is recognized out of force and its electoral deposit, as well as the means left in the pre-election fund are transferred to the state budget.

4. In case of recognizing the registration of a party list as out of force under Item 8 of Article 19 and Item 7 of Article 26, party's electoral deposit and the means left in the pre-election fund are transferred to the state budget.

5. The registration of the candidate on a party list is recognized as out of force, if he/she:

1) has submitted an application on self-withdrawal:

2) has died;

3) the requirement under Item 8 of Article 19 of this Code has been violated;

4) the requirement under Item 7 of Article 26 of this Code has been violated;

5) does not have the right to vote any more.

 

Article 102. Nomination of Candidates for the National Assembly Deputies by Parties and party alliances by Majoritarian System

 

1. The Parties and party alliances, registered in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic have the right to nominate candidates for the National Assembly Deputies by majority system.

2. Parties and party alliances have the right to nominate one candidate at each constituency.

3. The nomination of candidates by majority system is carried out by the decision of permanently functioning body of the party. The party alliances nominate candidates for the National Assembly majority elections by the decision made by a permanent body of the parties, members of the alliance.

4. A party can nominate as a candidate also a person, who is not a party member.

 

Article 103. Nomination of Candidates for the National Assembly Deputy by Citizens by Majoritarian System

 

1. At least ten citizens of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, who have the right to vote, can form an initiative group for the nomination of candidates for the National Assembly deputy by majority system.

2. The initiative group applies in writing to the Territorial Electoral Commission with a request for registration, for which, along with the application, submits the decision of the meeting of the initiative group for the nomination of the candidate for the deputy of the National Assembly and appointment of two authorized representatives, as well as data, in accordance with Article 68 of this Code, on the two authorized representatives of the initiative group.

Amend. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

3. The decision of the meeting of the initiative group shall contain the last names, first names, patronymics, dates of birth, identification documents numbers, place of residence, address and signatures of the members of the initiative group. The registering Electoral Commission verifies within two days the legality of lists of the initiative group, in conformity with procedures established by the central Electoral Commission.

 

Article 104. Requirements for Nomination of a Candidate for the Deputy of the National Assembly by Majoritarian System

 

1. Decision of the permanently functioning body (bodies) of a party or party alliance or decision by the initiative group on nominating a candidate to the National Assembly under majoritarian system contains the number of the electoral district and the following information about the nominee:

Amend. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

1) last name, first name, patronymic;

2) year, month and date of birth;

3) place of registered residence;

4) place of work and position (occupation);

5) party affiliation;

6) declaration on his/her private property and his/her and family members' income for the previous year;

7) passport number.

2. Together with the decision of the permanently functioning body (bodies) of a party or party alliance, or decision by initiative group on nominating a candidate for the National Assembly under majoritarian system, the nominated candidate’s written consent to being registered as a candidate in that particular electoral district is submitted to the Territorial Electoral Commission.

Amend. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

 

 

 

Article 105. Registration of Candidates to the National Assembly Nominated by the Majoritarian System

 

1. Candidates to the National Assembly nominated by majoritarian electoral system are registered by the decision of the Territorial Electoral Commission.

Amend. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

2. At least 45 days before the elections, parties and initiative groups submit the following documentation to the Territorial Electoral Commission for registration of their candidate to the National Assembly nominated under majoritarian system:

Amend. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

1) receipt on payment of the electoral deposit in the amount of 50 times the minimal salary;

2) reference on citizenship of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic for the last five years;

3) reference on permanent residence in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic during the last five years;

4) declaration of the candidate on his/her private property and income, in accordance with the procedure set by the NKR Law “On Declaration of Property and Income by Senior Officials of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic”.

The candidate submits the abovementioned documentation to the Territorial Electoral Commission personally or via authorized representative.

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

3. In the event of being elected to the National Assembly, as well as receiving more than five per cent of the votes cast, the electoral deposit is paid back.

4. The candidate or his/her authorized representative or the plenipotentiary representative of the party, which has nominated the candidate, has the right to attend session of the commission during on considering the registration of the nomination of the candidate.

The Territorial Electoral Commission denies the registration of the nominated candidate, if:

1) restrictions set forth by this Code extend onto the citizens nominated for the candidate;

2) the documentation submitted for registration and/or nomination are forged;

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

3) inaccuracies have been found out in the documents, submitted for registration of the party list or the documents are incomplete. In this case, the Precinct Electoral Commission gives 48 hours to remove inaccuracies or to complete the documents. The registration is denied in case if the inaccuracies have not been removed, or the documents have not been completed. The candidate is registered if the inaccuracies have been removed or the documents have been completed.

Amend. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

5. In case of objection concerning registration of the citizen nominated as a candidate for deputies, the issue is put to vote. The registration is denied with at least 2/3 vote of the total number of the members of the Territorial Electoral Commission. With absence of objection the candidate is considered registered.

Amend. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

6. In case of denial in registration of the nominated citizen, his/her electoral deposit is paid back, unless the candidate has requested the electoral deposit back within the 48 hours given to him/her to correct the inaccuracies in the documents submitted for registration or supply the missing documents.

Revis. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

7. The Territorial Electoral Commission recognizes the registration of the citizen nominated for the candidate as invalid, if after the registration the following facts have been revealed:

1) the restrictions under this Code extend onto the candidate;

2) the documentation submitted for registration and/or nomination are forged;

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

The Central Electoral Commission invalidates registration of a candidate in a decision adopted by at least 2/3 of the total number of its members.

Amend. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

8. In the event of recognizing the registration of the candidate as invalid, his/her electoral deposit and the means left in the pre-election fund are transferred to the state budget.

9. The decision of the Territorial Electoral Commission on denial or invalidation of the registration of the candidate for the deputy can be appealed in court within three days after it has been taken.

Amend. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

10. Basing on a court verdict on recognizing the decision on denial or recognition invalid of the registration of the candidate for the deputy as illegal, the candidate is considered registered or re-registered.

Amend. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

 

Article 106. Annulment of Registration of a Candidate to the National Assembly Nominated by Majoritarian System

Removed by LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

 

1. Registration of the National Assembly candidate by majoritarian system is recognized as out of force, if he/she:

Removed by LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

1) does not have the right to vote any longer;

2) has submitted an application on self-withdrawal;

3) has died;

4) as violated the requirement under Item 8 of Article 19 of this Code;

5) has violated the requirement under Item 7 of Article 26 of this Code.

2. In the event of recognizing the registration of a candidate running for the National Assembly under majority system invalid, the amount of his/her electoral deposit (except in the case of death) and the means left in the campaign fund are transferred to the state budget. In the event of recognizing the registration invalid because of the death, the amount of the elections deposit is transferred to his/her heirs.

Removed by LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

 

 

CHAPTER 22

 

STATUS OF THE CANDIDATE FOR DEPUTY

 

Article 107. Equality of the Candidates for National Assembly Deputies

 

Candidates for deputy have equal rights and responsibilities.

 

Article 108. Rights, Responsibilities and Guarantees for Activity of the Candidates for National Assembly Deputies

 

1. The candidates employed by state and local self-government bodies are released from their official duties foe the period from their registration until the official announcement of the elections results.

2. The candidates are released from call-ups, military service and military training until the official announcement of the elections results.

3. The period of time of candidate's running in elections is considered as continuation of his/her professional career.

4. Candidates have the right to withdraw their candidature not later than 10 days prior to the voting day. In the event of the withdrawal of the candidacy the electoral deposit and the means left in the pre-election fund are transferred to the state budget.

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

5. Parties have the right to withdraw their party lists, as well as withdraw any candidacy registered in the lists by the decision of the permanently functioning body of the party (by the decision ratified by the permanently functioning bodies of the alliance member parties), not later than 10 days prior to the voting day. That decision is immediately submitted to the Central Electoral Commission. It is forbidden to make any changes in the party electoral lists after completing the voting.

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

6. Candidates nominated to the National Assembly under majoritarian and proportional system can be arrested, subjected to administrative or criminal liability by court order, solely upon the consent of the Central Electoral Commission. The Central Electoral Commission makes a decision on the above-mentioned issue by at least two-thirds vote of the total number of the members of the commission.

 

CHAPTER 23

 

PRE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN DURING THE ELECTIONS

TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

 

Article 109. The Pre-Election Fund of the Candidate for Deputy and the Party

1. The candidate for the deputy and the party that has nominated an electoral list for the National Assembly proportional elections, for the purpose of conducting pre-election campaign, can establish a pre-election fund on the name of their plenipotentiary representative, which is formed from voluntary contributions set forth in Article 26 of this Code.

A candidate and party (party alliance) that have submitted electoral lists to run for the National Assembly may use the resources in the pre-election fund to pay their electoral deposits.

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

2. A candidate has the right to make a contribution to his/her own pre-election fund in the amount 200 times the minimal salary in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic; a party and each party - member of a party alliance can make a contribution in the amount of 500 times the minimum salary to party’s or party alliance’s fund respectively.

Revis. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

3. Each physical person can make a voluntary contribution to pre-electoral funds of candidates and parties (party alliances), in the amount of up to ten times the minimal salary, and each legal person – up to 30 times the minimal salary.

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

4. During the pre-election campaign a candidate has the right to spend an amount not exceeding 1000 times the minimal salary, and a party – an amount not exceeding 12,000 times the minimal salary.

5. Candidates for deputies of the National Assembly and parties, registered in the procedure established by this Code to run in the elections of the National Assembly, for the purpose of conducting pre-election campaign have the right to use the means of their pre-election funds only.

6. Means remaining in pre-election funds after the elections are used in accordance with procedures set in Item 6 of Article 78 of this Code.

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

 

Article 110. Pre-Election Campaign

 

1. The pre-election campaign during the elections to the National Assembly is conducted in accordance with the procedure and time frames set forth in Articles 19-24 of this Code.

2. Parties (party alliances) running in the elections to the National Assembly, in the period of the pre-election campaign enjoy the rights established by Article 80 of this Code.

 

 

CHAPTER 24

 

BALLOTS, SUMMARIZATION OF THE ELECTION RESULTS

 

Article 111. Ballots

 

1. The elections to the National Assembly by the proportional and majoritarian systems are held with separate ballots.

2. A ballot for the elections to the National Assembly by proportional system contains the names of parties (party alliances) in alphabetical order, as well as the last names, first names, patronymics of the first three candidates on the list.

3. Ballots for the elections to the National Assembly by proportional system are printed by order of the Central Electoral Commission in one printing house. The Central Electoral Commission, through Territorial Electoral Commissions allocates the ballots to Precinct Electoral Commissions on the day prior to the day of voting. The ballots shall be of the same color.

Amend. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

4. A ballot for the elections to the National Assembly by the majoritarian system contains the last names and the first names, patronymics of the candidates in alphabetical order, according to the last name, and the names of the nominating parties (party alliances) and in the event of civil initiative – the words "Civil initiative".

5. Ballots for the elections to the National Assembly by majoritarian system are printed order of the Territorial Electoral Commission. The Territorial Electoral Commission allocates the ballots to Precinct Electoral Commissions on the day prior to the day of voting.

Amend. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

6. Ballots shall be of the same color, and differ from the color of the ballots mentioned in Item 2 of this Article.

7. The number of ballots allocated is 3% more, than the number of voters registered in the precinct voter lists.

Amend. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

 

 

Article 112. Summarization of Results of the National Assembly Proportional Elections

 

1. The Central Electoral Commission based on the data of the summarization protocols in constituencies, in the procedure and time frames established by Article 64 of this Code summarizes the elections results, and takes one of the following decisions:

1) on the elections of the deputies of the National Assembly by proportional system;

2) on recognizing the elections to the National Assembly by proportional system as invalid;

3) on recognizing the elections to the National Assembly by proportional system as failed.

If none of the above decisions is taken in accordance with procedures defined by this Code, the decision which received the largest number of commission members’ votes is considered adopted. In case if the number of votes for and against is equal, the Commission Chair has the decisive vote.

Revis. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

2. Mandates envisaged for the National Assembly by proportional system are distributed among those party (party alliance) lists, which have received respectively at least 10% and 15% of the total of the number of the votes cast and the number of inaccuracies. In case if only one party or party alliance list has received respectively at least 10% and 15% of the total of the number of the votes cast and the number of inaccuracies, the next by number of taken votes two parties (party alliances) participate in distribution of the mandates. If up to three parties (party alliances) run in the elections to the National Assembly by proportional system, all the parties (party alliances) participate in the distribution of mandates.

Revis. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

3. Mandates envisaged for the National Assembly by proportional system are distributed among the party (party alliance) lists – proportional to the votes cast for them. The counting of the mandates to be distributed to each party (party alliance) list is done in a following way: the number of votes cast for each list is multiplied by the number of mandates to be allocated to the lists, the result is divided by the total number of votes cast for the lists participating in the distribution of the mandates, and the integer numbers are separated, which are the numbers of mandates to be allocated to each list.

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

4. The rest of the mandates are distributed among the lists by the magnitude of residuals, on the principle of one mandate to each. In the event of the equality of the magnitude of residuals the disputed mandate is given to the list, which has received the biggest number of votes. In the event of their equality the matter is settled by drawing a lot in accordance with procedures established by the Central Electoral Commission.

Amend. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

5. The candidate, whose consecutive number in the electoral list is smaller or equal to the number of mandates to be allocated to the given list, is considered elected by the party (party alliance) list.

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

6. The mandate to be allocated to the candidate elected by proportional system, but who has been also elected by majoritarian system, is given to the next candidate on the list.

7. Elections to the National Assembly by proportional system are considered invalid in case if infringements of this Code that could impact the results of the elections occurred during preparation and realization of the elections.

8. Elections to the National Assembly by proportional system are considered failed in case if less than 25% of the electorate participated in the elections.

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

9. Appeals related to disputes over the results of the National Assembly proportional elections can be adjudicated to the Supreme Court of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic within seven days after the results are officially announced.

10. Re-elections will be held not sooner than 10 days and not later than 20 days after the decision on declaration of National Assembly proportional elections invalid comes into force, with the same number of parties (party alliances), in compliance with the Code.

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

11. Re-voting shall be held not sooner than 30 day and not later than 40 days after the decision on recognizing the National Assembly proportional elections as not held has entered into force.

 

Article 113. Summarization of Results of Elections to the National Assembly by Majoritarian Electoral System

 

Based on the data of the summarization protocols of voting, in the procedure and time frames set in Article 631 of this Code, the Territorial Electoral Commission summarizes the elections results by constituencies, and takes one of the following decisions:

Amend. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

1) On election of a deputy;

2) On recognizing the elections of the deputies as invalid;

3) On recognizing the elections of the deputies as not held.

If none of the above decisions is taken in accordance with procedures defined by this Code, the decision took by votes of majority of commission members is considered adopted. In case if the number of votes is equal, the Commission Chair has the decisive vote.

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

2. The candidate who received majority of votes is considered elected.

Amend. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

3. In case of one candidate running at the elections, the candidate is considered elected if received more than half of the votes of the participants in the elections.

Revis. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

4. In case if two and more candidates have received equal number votes ‘for’, drawing is held among them to determine the elected candidate.

Amend. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

5. The elections of the deputies are recognized invalid if:

1) the amount of inaccuracies is higher or equal to the number of difference between the numbers of ballots cast for the two candidates with the highest number of ballots, or, if only one candidate is running, the difference between the ballots cast for and against that candidate, which significantly affects the election results, i.e. makes it impossible to reestablish the real results of the election and determine which candidate is elected;

2) violations of this Code that could influence the outcome of the election have occurred during preparation and conduct of elections:

Revis. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

6. Elections of a deputy are recognized failed in case if:

1) the only candidate running has not received the required number of votes;

2) the elected candidate died before the elections results have been summarized;

3) no candidate was nominated or registered within the timeframe and in accordance with procedures defined by this Code;

4)  the percentage of voters participated is less than 25%.

Revis. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

7. Within two hours after adopting a decision on summarization of the elections results, Chair of the Territorial Electoral Commission sends a report to the Central Electoral Commission.

Amend. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

8. Appeals related to disputes over the results of the National Assembly majority elections can be adjudicated to the Supreme Court of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic within seven days after the results are officially announced.

9. Re-elections will be held not sooner than 10 days and not later than 20 days after the decision on declaration of the elections of a candidate invalid comes into force. In case of recognizing the results of re-voting invalid during National Assembly elections under majority system, new elections are conducted not earlier than 30 days and not later than 40 days after that decision comes into force.

10. Re-elections will be held not sooner than 30 and not later than 40 days after the decision on declaration of the elections as not held comes into force.

101. In case if elections are considered invalid or failed, the candidate’s electoral deposit is refunded.

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

11. New elections are held with new nomination of candidates and within timeframe defined for conducting extraordinary elections.

 

 

CHAPTER 25

 

ASSIGNMENT AND CONDUCTING OF ELECTIONS

TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

 

Article 114. Time frames for Setting and Conducting Regular Elections to the National Assembly; Nomination and Registration of the Candidates

 

1. Regular elections to the National Assembly are held not earlier than 40, but not later than 30 days before end of its term.

Revis. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

2. President of the Republic issues a decree on setting regular elections not later than 100 days prior to the day of voting.

3. Parties (party alliances) submit the documents for nomination of candidates for deputies by proportional system to the Central Electoral Commission not earlier than 75 and not later than 70 days prior to the voting day, before 6 p.m.

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

4. The documentation required for registration is submitted to the Central Electoral Commission not later than 45 days prior to the voting day, until 6:00 p.m.

5. The registration of party (party alliance) lists is done not earlier than 40 and not later than 35 days prior to the voting day, until 6:00 p.m.

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

6. Documentation on nomination of candidates for deputies of National Assembly by majoritarian system is submitted to relevant Territorial Electoral Commission not earlier than 75 and not later than 70 days prior to the voting day, before 6 p.m.

Amend. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

7. The documentation required for registration of candidates is submitted to the Territorial Electoral Commission not earlier than 40 and no later than 45 days prior to the voting day, until 6:00 p.m.

Amend. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

8. The registration of candidates for deputies of the National Assembly by majority system is done not earlier than 40 and not later than 35 days prior to the voting day, until 6:00 p.m.

 

Article 115. Setting and Conducting By-elections to the National Assembly

 

1. In case of a vacancy in the National Assembly by the majoritarian system as a result of early termination of powers of a deputy, by-elections are held at the relevant constituency.

2. By-elections of the National Assembly under majoritarian system are held in accordance with procedures established for regular elections and within 80 days after a seat becomes vacant.

3. In the last year of the powers of the National Assembly by-elections by majoritarian system are not held.

Amend. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

4.By the decision of the Central Electoral Commission the mandate of a deputy elected by proportional system, whose term of powers has been pre-terminated, is given to the candidate next on the relevant list, within one week. If there is no other candidate on the party list, the mandate stays vacant.

 

Article 116. Setting and Conducting Extraordinary Elections to the National Assembly

 

1. Extraordinary elections are held not earlier than 30 and not later than 40 days after the dissolution of the National Assembly.

The President of the Republic issues a decree on setting extraordinary elections together with the decree on the National Assembly's dissolution.

2. A party submits the required documentation to the Central Electoral Commission for nomination of candidates to the National Assembly by proportional system, not later than 25 days prior to the elections day, until 6:00 p.m.

3. Documentation required for nomination of candidates by proportional system from parties (party alliance) is submitted to the Central Electoral Commission not later than 25 days prior to the elections day, until 6:00 p.m.

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

4. The registration of party (party alliance) lists is done not earlier than 25 and not later than 20 days prior to the day of voting, until 6:00 p.m.

Add. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

5. Documentation for nominating candidates to the National Assembly under majoritarian system is submitted to the appropriate Territorial Electoral Commissions not earlier than 20 days and no later than 15 days before the voting day, by 18:00.

Revis. LR-24, 25.04.07, NKR SB ¹ 13(54), 22.05.07

6. The registration of candidates for the deputy of the National Assembly by majority system is done not earlier than 15 and not later than 10 days prior to the election day, until 6:00 p.m.