12. The Minister of Justice of Armenia stressed in his opinion request that the elaboration of the draft amendments was preceded by extensive ten-month long public consultations with different stakeholders including civil society, and that this process was supported by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES). Various interlocutors met by the rapporteurs confirmed this open and inclusive process involving representatives of relevant state bodies, of non-governmental organisations and international experts. The rapporteurs were informed that many of the recommendations proposed by electoral stakeholders during the consultative exercise facilitated by IFES in late 2022 have been incorporated into the draft. The Ministry of Justice has made available on “e-draft” the draft amendments for the citizens to comment on them,5 and the draft legislation has been subject to public debate.6 An extensive political debate in the National Assembly with the participation of the opposition political parties is expected to take place after the bill is tabled. However, all political parties, including those that are currently not present in the parliament, have had the opportunity to read and comment on the draft during its preparation, as did the general public.