Delegation of US observers commends high-level democratic elections in NKR
US election observers found the May 3, 2015 parliamentary election in Nagorno Karabakh to be ''fair, accurate, secure, and transparent,'' Asbarez.com reports.
“As election observers, we witnessed an organically high voter turnout as the citizens believe it is of paramount importance to the continued independence of the Republic that they fought for. As a testament to the Republic’s commitment to the democratic process, this election was conducted with a distinguished level of integrity that would parallel any democratic country in the western world,” stated Nareg Kitsinian, Esq., board member of the ANCA-WR.
As observers they also noted that women in Nagorno Karabakh were equal participants in the elections in every aspect including participating as voters, poll workers, party representatives, government officials, and candidates.
“I am impressed how Artsakh conducted its national elections consistent with international standards, I think there are lessons we in the U.S. can learn from them, especially in terms of voter turnout and civic engagement,” commended Fresno County Supervisor Andreas Burgeas.
Santa Cruz County Clerk Gail Pellerin said that the commitment of the voters and poll workers would rival any country. ''The citizens of this democratic republic are very engaged as demonstrated by the 70.6% turnout in the May 3 election,” Pellerin said.
ANCA-WR Government Affairs Director Tereza Yerimyan finds these elections are representative of the strength of democracy and the commitment to sovereignty the people of Artsakh practice.
According to the article, the traveling delegation also used the opportunity to meet with the government’s leadership prior to the election to understand the methodology and process of the elections. They were particularly impressed by the number of poll workers required at each polling location (nine poll workers assigned to a location) who all must undergo seven days of training in order to qualify as a poll worker. The people of Artsakh see their participarion in the elections as an important part of their civic duty.
The delegation also met with Nagorno Karabakh President Bako Sahakyan. During the meeting the President expressed his and the people’s willingness to hear their recommendation and further assured the observers that they would witness a transparent election.
Related:
Yevseev: Nagorno-Karabakh elections were democratic and free
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