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PACE DELEGATION CONCERNED OVER INACCURACIES IN ARMENIA'S VOTER LIST
NEWS.AM
January 17, 2013 | 20:31
PACE delegation welcomes the intention of the Armenian authorities
to organize and election fully in line with international standards,
says the statement issued on Thursday.
The pre-electoral delegation headed by Karen Woldseth is on a visit
to Armenia. In the statement the observers express concern over
continuing substantial inaccuracies in the voter list, confusion
about the right to vote for Armenians living abroad. The delegation
was also disappointed to note the previous recommendations on urgently
dealing with these issues have not been implemented.
The delegation also noted that, one month before the vote, the
general public is lacking both interest and confidence in the
electoral process. It is a matter of great concern, in particular,
given that major political parties, which were strongly expected to
present presidential candidates, chose not to do so because of their
lack of trust in the conduct of the election
The decision has narrowed the voters' choice, leading to a solution
even more regrettable as the elections to come are already overshadowed
by apathy and a lack if faith. The delegation emphasized the citizens'
trust must be restored as elections are essential for democratic
development.
It also strongly hopes that issues already criticized in PACE's report
on the parliamentary elections of 6 May, 2012, in particular cases of
intimidation of votes and extensive use of administrative resources
have been dealt with in a way that ensures such practices will not
be repeated. It also hopes that a level playing field will be granted
to all candidates, inter alia, through balanced media coverage.
The delegation welcomes increased media freedom and hopes that
registered candidates will engage in electoral campaigns based on
concrete and that the public discussion will focus more on substance,
so that the electorate can make an informed choice.
The delegation is aware of the legal improvements brought by the new
Electoral Code adopted in 2011. It however insists that a fair and
proper implementation of the Code is as important as the Code itself.
The PACE pre-electoral delegation was in Yerevan at the invitation
of the President of the National Assembly. It met with presidential
candidates, including the incumbent President, leaders of the factions
in the Parliament, President of the National Assembly, the Foreign
Minister, the Chairman of the Central Electoral Commission, the
Head of the National Police, the General Prosecutor, NGO and media
representatives, the Head of the OSCE/ODIHR election observation
mission and diplomats in Yerevan.
A full 22-member PACE delegation will arrive in Yerevan in mid-February
to observe the vote. The PACE delegation will present its findings and
recommendations to the Assembly during its April session in Strasburg.
NEWS.AM
January 17, 2013 | 20:31
PACE delegation welcomes the intention of the Armenian authorities
to organize and election fully in line with international standards,
says the statement issued on Thursday.
The pre-electoral delegation headed by Karen Woldseth is on a visit
to Armenia. In the statement the observers express concern over
continuing substantial inaccuracies in the voter list, confusion
about the right to vote for Armenians living abroad. The delegation
was also disappointed to note the previous recommendations on urgently
dealing with these issues have not been implemented.
The delegation also noted that, one month before the vote, the
general public is lacking both interest and confidence in the
electoral process. It is a matter of great concern, in particular,
given that major political parties, which were strongly expected to
present presidential candidates, chose not to do so because of their
lack of trust in the conduct of the election
The decision has narrowed the voters' choice, leading to a solution
even more regrettable as the elections to come are already overshadowed
by apathy and a lack if faith. The delegation emphasized the citizens'
trust must be restored as elections are essential for democratic
development.
It also strongly hopes that issues already criticized in PACE's report
on the parliamentary elections of 6 May, 2012, in particular cases of
intimidation of votes and extensive use of administrative resources
have been dealt with in a way that ensures such practices will not
be repeated. It also hopes that a level playing field will be granted
to all candidates, inter alia, through balanced media coverage.
The delegation welcomes increased media freedom and hopes that
registered candidates will engage in electoral campaigns based on
concrete and that the public discussion will focus more on substance,
so that the electorate can make an informed choice.
The delegation is aware of the legal improvements brought by the new
Electoral Code adopted in 2011. It however insists that a fair and
proper implementation of the Code is as important as the Code itself.
The PACE pre-electoral delegation was in Yerevan at the invitation
of the President of the National Assembly. It met with presidential
candidates, including the incumbent President, leaders of the factions
in the Parliament, President of the National Assembly, the Foreign
Minister, the Chairman of the Central Electoral Commission, the
Head of the National Police, the General Prosecutor, NGO and media
representatives, the Head of the OSCE/ODIHR election observation
mission and diplomats in Yerevan.
A full 22-member PACE delegation will arrive in Yerevan in mid-February
to observe the vote. The PACE delegation will present its findings and
recommendations to the Assembly during its April session in Strasburg.