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ITAR-TASS, Russia
January 19, 2013 Saturday 10:22 PM GMT+4
PACE welcomes Armenia's efforts to hold elections by int'l standards
STRASBOURG January 19
- A PACE delegation that visited Armenia to assess the pre-electoral
climate ahead of the presidential election slated for February 18
welcomed the intention of the Armenian authorities to organise the
election fully in line with international standards.
However, the delegation expressed concern about 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 present
presidential candidates, chose not to do so because of their lack of
trust in the conduct of the election.
The delegation welcomed increased media freedom and expressed hope
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 noted the legal improvements brought by the new
Electoral Code adopted in 2011.At the same time, it stated 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 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.
January 19, 2013 Saturday 10:22 PM GMT+4
PACE welcomes Armenia's efforts to hold elections by int'l standards
STRASBOURG January 19
- A PACE delegation that visited Armenia to assess the pre-electoral
climate ahead of the presidential election slated for February 18
welcomed the intention of the Armenian authorities to organise the
election fully in line with international standards.
However, the delegation expressed concern about 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 present
presidential candidates, chose not to do so because of their lack of
trust in the conduct of the election.
The delegation welcomed increased media freedom and expressed hope
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 noted the legal improvements brought by the new
Electoral Code adopted in 2011.At the same time, it stated 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 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.