Your trusted source

OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has released a regular interim report on the Parliamentary election in Armenia set on April 2. The report presents the pre-election situation in the country turning to the election campaigns of the parties and blocks, as well as the organization works of Armenia’s Central Electoral Commission (CEC).

The report of the OSCE/ODIHR assessed the accuracy of the voter list positively. Turning to the publishing of the copies of the signed voter lists, the report noted that it marks an important step towards preventing voter fraud. Positively assessing the CEC’s intention to publish scanned copies of the signed voter lists, meanwhile the authors of the report express concerns that it could declassify the personal data of the voters.

Speaking about the election campaign, the report notes that ‘allegations have been raised about widespread vote-buying by most OSCE/ODIHR EOM interlocutors’. “There is also a prevalent perception that pressure and intimidation of voters will occur during the campaign,” reads the report.

The authors of the report also positively assessed the application of the Voter Authentication Devices and cameras during the elections.

“Starting from 24 February, the OSCE/ODIHR EOM started qualitative and quantitative media monitoring. 41 According to this monitoring, contestants have so far received an equal amount of free airtime on H1. There is no interference in Internet freedom,” the report reads.

Meanwhile, the authors express concerns over the fact that major commercial television (TV) stations are financed by business and political groups.

The report goes on noting that the amendments in the Electoral Code have increased quota for women on candidate lists, have clarified important provisions related to campaigning, campaign finance, candidate registration, and complaints and appeals.