Even though the Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) is a junior member of the ruling coalition, several of the party’s MP’s voted in favour of a bill that would change the country’s electoral system to a fully proportional one.

Despite their dissenting votes, the bill was rejected by a vote of 56 against and 30 in favour. 47 MP’s failed to show up for the vote yesterday.

The Republican Party of Armenia, the coalition’s senior member, has been opposed to changing the system.

As it currently stands, Armenia’s Electoral Code reserves 90 of the 131 seats in the National Assembly under the system of proportional representation. The remaining 41 seats are to be distributed in single-mandate constituencies across the country.

Those supporting the change to a 100% proportional system argue that these 41 seats are won by wealthy businessmen and candidates linked the government who can bribe and intimidate themselves to victories.

BHK MP’s who voted for the bill are Nayiri Zohrabyan, Rustam Gasparyan, Martun Grigoryan, Mkhiitar Varagyan, Gohar Yenokyan, Musegh Petoyan, Vardan Bostanjyan, Vahe Enfiajyan, Aram Safaryan, Vachagan Khurshudyan, Ruben Gevorgyan and Vahagn Makhsudyan.