Workshop “Recommendations on the Draft Regulatory Reforms Road-map for Armenia.”
Ms Alice Thomas, Chief of ODIHR’s Legislative Support Unit had got acquainted with the process of formation of legislative field of Armenia, specifically the process of public debates and she had the impression that these debates are starting in our country when the projects enter the National Assembly.
“Public shall form the opinion at that time. However, it is correct to provide time for the formation of opinion. Of course, ideally, it is time to launch debates when the concept development has just started, when there is still nothing on the paper. You should touch the “grassroots” first, maybe there are laws that the public does not support,” she said suggesting that the government should start the awareness process when it just began thinking about changes.
According to the expert, the positive impact of these debates will be that the law making process will become transparent.
He also stressed the importance of providing feedback. Ms Thomas referred to the assessment that Mr. Zadoyan had spoken about before that. “Mr. Zadoyan, said that informing is very important. You should transfer clear signals. I have an impression that many groups of the society do not want to follow the legislative field. It is necessary to explain them clearly what it is about? In addition, it is necessary to exclude to the possible extent the laws adopted urgently, without public debates. These should be exception, especially talking about the laws that apply to large groups.”
Regarding the process of public debates, the expert said that very often people attend the debates without being aware of the topic and what should be discussed.
Ms Thomas believes that the Government and the National Assembly should establish guidelines for public hearings and public debates.
