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MAJOR ARMENIAN POLITICAL PARTIES DID NOT NOMINATE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES "BECAUSE OF THEIR LACK OF TRUST IN THE CONDUCT OF THE ELECTION", PACE DELEGATION SAID
http://www.mediamax.am/en/news/politics/6626/
Friday 18 January 2013 10:34
Yerevan/Mediamax/. PACE Delegation said in a statement that major
Armenian political parties, "which were strongly expected to nominate
presidential candidates, chose not to do so because of their lack of
trust in the conduct of the election".
"The intention of the Armenian authorities to organise an election
fully in line with international standards has been welcomed by a
PACE delegation visiting the country to assess the pre-electoral
climate ahead of the 18 February presidential election.
However, a crucial matter of concern for the delegation is the
continuing substantial inaccuracies in the voter list, since an
accurate list is a prerequisite for any proper election. There is
still confusion about the right to vote for Armenians living abroad.
The delegation was also disappointed to note that 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. This is a matter of great concern, in particular given that
major political parties, which were strongly expected to nominate
presidential candidates, chose not to do so because of their lack
of trust in the conduct of the election. This decision has narrowed
the voters' choice, leading to a situation even more regrettable as
the elections to come are already overshadowed by apathy and a lack
of faith. The delegation emphasised that citizens' trust must be
restored as elections are essential for democratic development.
It also strongly hopes that issues already criticised in PACE's report
on the parliamentary elections of 6 May 2012, in particular cases
of intimidation of voters and the 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 political programs 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 statement said.
The PACE pre-electoral delegation was in Yerevan at the invitation
of the President of the National Assembly of Armenia. It met with
presidential candidates, including the incumbent President, leaders
of factions in the Parliament, the Minister of Foreign Affairs,
the President of the National Assembly, 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 delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly 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 Strasbourg.
http://www.mediamax.am/en/news/politics/6626/
Friday 18 January 2013 10:34
Yerevan/Mediamax/. PACE Delegation said in a statement that major
Armenian political parties, "which were strongly expected to nominate
presidential candidates, chose not to do so because of their lack of
trust in the conduct of the election".
"The intention of the Armenian authorities to organise an election
fully in line with international standards has been welcomed by a
PACE delegation visiting the country to assess the pre-electoral
climate ahead of the 18 February presidential election.
However, a crucial matter of concern for the delegation is the
continuing substantial inaccuracies in the voter list, since an
accurate list is a prerequisite for any proper election. There is
still confusion about the right to vote for Armenians living abroad.
The delegation was also disappointed to note that 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. This is a matter of great concern, in particular given that
major political parties, which were strongly expected to nominate
presidential candidates, chose not to do so because of their lack
of trust in the conduct of the election. This decision has narrowed
the voters' choice, leading to a situation even more regrettable as
the elections to come are already overshadowed by apathy and a lack
of faith. The delegation emphasised that citizens' trust must be
restored as elections are essential for democratic development.
It also strongly hopes that issues already criticised in PACE's report
on the parliamentary elections of 6 May 2012, in particular cases
of intimidation of voters and the 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 political programs 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 statement said.
The PACE pre-electoral delegation was in Yerevan at the invitation
of the President of the National Assembly of Armenia. It met with
presidential candidates, including the incumbent President, leaders
of factions in the Parliament, the Minister of Foreign Affairs,
the President of the National Assembly, 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 delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly 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 Strasbourg.