During a recent CEC meeting, the representative of “Justice” bloc, Felix Khachatryan, said that according to Samvel Babayan’s reference, he is a citizen of Armenia but has lived in Armenia since only 2006. According to the RA Constitution, NA deputies have to have lived in Armenia during the last five years before the elections. Felix Khachatryan assured that this fact makes Babayan vulnerable since the authorities may use this factor to declare his registration invalid, once he manages to criticize them. Felix Khachatryan suggested giving an opportunity to Babayan to bring a new reference within 48 hours. However, it is hard to imagine how Babayan can change the information in the reference list and become a citizen that has lived in Armenia for five years. This suggestion was supported only by the “Justice” bloc and LS party representatives. ARF representative to the CEC Hamlet Abrahamyan didn’t support that suggestion and said, “I would support that suggestion if he brought a reference that he is a citizen of Armenia and has lived next to the Holy Cross church of Van”.
