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Armenian officials should refrain from abuse of state resources -
OSCE/ODIHR final report
May 09, 2013 | 13:17
The final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and
Human Rights (ODIHR) on the 18 February 2013 presidential election in
Armenia concludes that though the elections were generally
well-administered and characterized by a respect for fundamental
freedoms, more can be done to increase public trust in the integrity
of the electoral process.
The report, released on 8 May 2013, notes that while contestants were
able to campaign freely and media fulfilled their legal obligation to
provide balanced coverage, a lack of impartiality of the public
administration and cases of pressure on voters were of concern.
`At the same time, shortcomings in the electoral process were mostly
caused by a lack of will to implement the provisions effectively and
impartially. Public trust in the election process remains low,' the
report reads.
The observers said the election administration headed by the Central
Election Commission administrated the election in an overall
professional manner, stressing that `despite serious efforts to
technically improve the voter register, the authorities did not manage
to diffuse the overall mistrust in the integrity of voter
registration.'
It recommends that public officials should refrain from the abuse of
state resources, including abuse of office towards their employees and
the public. Authorities are also encouraged to develop and implement
safeguards in order to ensure a clear separation between State and
party, in line with the 1990 OSCE Copenhagen Document.
While the electoral legal framework is noted as comprehensive and
conducive overall to the conduct of democratic elections, election
commissions, law enforcement bodies and courts should interpret,
implement and enforce the electoral legal framework taking into
consideration the intent of the law.
Election commissions and courts are also recommended to duly consider
the substance of all complaints and appeals, and impartially and
thoroughly consider all evidence.
The report encourages authorities to proceed with preparing the
necessary legislative amendments, in order to address previous and
present recommendations, in a public consultative and inclusive
process with the participation of all relevant stakeholders, including
political parties and civil society.
As to media coverage, it is called `balanced' but formal, focusing
predominantly on campaign events rather than providing analytical
commentary of candidates' campaign messages or addressing the
performance of the incumbent in office.
News from Armenia - NEWS.am
From: A. Papazian
OSCE/ODIHR final report
May 09, 2013 | 13:17
The final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and
Human Rights (ODIHR) on the 18 February 2013 presidential election in
Armenia concludes that though the elections were generally
well-administered and characterized by a respect for fundamental
freedoms, more can be done to increase public trust in the integrity
of the electoral process.
The report, released on 8 May 2013, notes that while contestants were
able to campaign freely and media fulfilled their legal obligation to
provide balanced coverage, a lack of impartiality of the public
administration and cases of pressure on voters were of concern.
`At the same time, shortcomings in the electoral process were mostly
caused by a lack of will to implement the provisions effectively and
impartially. Public trust in the election process remains low,' the
report reads.
The observers said the election administration headed by the Central
Election Commission administrated the election in an overall
professional manner, stressing that `despite serious efforts to
technically improve the voter register, the authorities did not manage
to diffuse the overall mistrust in the integrity of voter
registration.'
It recommends that public officials should refrain from the abuse of
state resources, including abuse of office towards their employees and
the public. Authorities are also encouraged to develop and implement
safeguards in order to ensure a clear separation between State and
party, in line with the 1990 OSCE Copenhagen Document.
While the electoral legal framework is noted as comprehensive and
conducive overall to the conduct of democratic elections, election
commissions, law enforcement bodies and courts should interpret,
implement and enforce the electoral legal framework taking into
consideration the intent of the law.
Election commissions and courts are also recommended to duly consider
the substance of all complaints and appeals, and impartially and
thoroughly consider all evidence.
The report encourages authorities to proceed with preparing the
necessary legislative amendments, in order to address previous and
present recommendations, in a public consultative and inclusive
process with the participation of all relevant stakeholders, including
political parties and civil society.
As to media coverage, it is called `balanced' but formal, focusing
predominantly on campaign events rather than providing analytical
commentary of candidates' campaign messages or addressing the
performance of the incumbent in office.
News from Armenia - NEWS.am
From: A. Papazian