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VOTE 2013: TOP INTERNATIONAL OBSERVER GROUP VOICES FIRST CONCERNS REGARDING ARMENIA ELECTION
Vote 2013 | 08.02.13 | 13:42
By Siranuysh Gevorgyan
ArmeniaNow reporter
The biggest international observer mission OSCE/ODIHR watching the
election processes in Armenia published its second interim report on
February 7, where as opposed to the first one, it expressed concerns
over the election campaign violations, in particular, abuse of
administrative resources.
"While the state authorities have declared their intention to conduct
elections in line with OSCE commitments, the distinction between
campaign activities and state functions appears to be blurred,
even where officials formally take leave in order to participate
in campaigning. OSCE/ODIHR EOM long-term observers (LTOs) have also
reported cases of the incumbent's campaign offices located in public
and local government building," the mission representatives stated
summing up their observations in the period of January 17-February 5.
ODIHR with its 24 long-term and 205 short-term observers published
its first interim report on January 23, which was mostly of cognitive
character and contained no assessments and comments.
Defining the campaign mainly as low-key, their second report points
out the lack of animated debates.
"The election campaign is characterized by a lack of an animated
debate. Civil and political rights, the role of the state in public
life and the economy are at the center of most candidates' campaigns.
The incumbent focuses on the themes of stability and security, with the
army, his role as commander in chief and his military history featuring
prominently in printed and broadcast campaign materials. All candidates
except the incumbent have alleged voter list deficiencies and misuse
of administrative resources and have voiced concerns about the overall
integrity of the electoral process," the report reads in part.
The international observers also reflected on the cases when teachers
and public servants were forced to take part in the incumbent
president's campaign meetings. The point out also that nine out of
ten governors took leave in order to campaign for the incumbent,
as well as many village heads and mayors.
"In Yerevan on 25 January and Vanadzor (Lori province) on 30 January,
teachers were instructed to attend the incumbent's campaign events and
were required to submit their passport numbers to the school director.
The municipality of Kapan (Syunik province) on 23 January called the
schools to inform of the incumbent's upcoming rally," further reads
the report.
Assessing the work of the Central Election Commission (CEC), ODIHR
observers state that the administrative preparations for the election
are proceeding according to legal deadlines and that the CEC continues
to work in an open and transparent manner.
http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/43313/armenia_presidential_election_2013_osce_odihr_inte rim_report
From: A. Papazian
Vote 2013 | 08.02.13 | 13:42
By Siranuysh Gevorgyan
ArmeniaNow reporter
The biggest international observer mission OSCE/ODIHR watching the
election processes in Armenia published its second interim report on
February 7, where as opposed to the first one, it expressed concerns
over the election campaign violations, in particular, abuse of
administrative resources.
"While the state authorities have declared their intention to conduct
elections in line with OSCE commitments, the distinction between
campaign activities and state functions appears to be blurred,
even where officials formally take leave in order to participate
in campaigning. OSCE/ODIHR EOM long-term observers (LTOs) have also
reported cases of the incumbent's campaign offices located in public
and local government building," the mission representatives stated
summing up their observations in the period of January 17-February 5.
ODIHR with its 24 long-term and 205 short-term observers published
its first interim report on January 23, which was mostly of cognitive
character and contained no assessments and comments.
Defining the campaign mainly as low-key, their second report points
out the lack of animated debates.
"The election campaign is characterized by a lack of an animated
debate. Civil and political rights, the role of the state in public
life and the economy are at the center of most candidates' campaigns.
The incumbent focuses on the themes of stability and security, with the
army, his role as commander in chief and his military history featuring
prominently in printed and broadcast campaign materials. All candidates
except the incumbent have alleged voter list deficiencies and misuse
of administrative resources and have voiced concerns about the overall
integrity of the electoral process," the report reads in part.
The international observers also reflected on the cases when teachers
and public servants were forced to take part in the incumbent
president's campaign meetings. The point out also that nine out of
ten governors took leave in order to campaign for the incumbent,
as well as many village heads and mayors.
"In Yerevan on 25 January and Vanadzor (Lori province) on 30 January,
teachers were instructed to attend the incumbent's campaign events and
were required to submit their passport numbers to the school director.
The municipality of Kapan (Syunik province) on 23 January called the
schools to inform of the incumbent's upcoming rally," further reads
the report.
Assessing the work of the Central Election Commission (CEC), ODIHR
observers state that the administrative preparations for the election
are proceeding according to legal deadlines and that the CEC continues
to work in an open and transparent manner.
http://armenianow.com/vote_2013/43313/armenia_presidential_election_2013_osce_odihr_inte rim_report
From: A. Papazian