Amendments to electoral code appeared to be instrumental in holding free and open polls, CIS Observers Mission

YEREVAN, May 7. /ARKA/. A set of amendments to Armenian Electoral Code designed to improve the electoral processes appeared to be instrumental in holding free and open parliamentary elections on May 6, head of the CIS Observers Mission, first deputy chairman of the executive committee of the CIS Vladimir Garkun, told a news conference today.

The CIS poll watchers mission recognized the polls as free, open and competitive, noting also they were conducted in accordance with the electoral law and universally recognized norms of democracy.

"Armenian authorities created all necessary conditions for the preparation and conduct of parliamentary elections. Our long-term observers visited 26 polling districts across the country, met with representatives of campaign headquarters and watched preparations for the elections ", he said.

He said the election campaigns did not cause complaints from parties which had plenty opportunities to familiarize voters with their election programs.

He also praised the Central Election Commission for doing sufficient preparatory work. The May 6 elections were monitored by 647 international observers and over 31,000 local watchers. The CIS mission consisted of 173 observers.

The May 6 polls were won by Republican Party which received 44.05 percent of the vote.

The Prosperous Armenia party of businessman Gagik Tsarukian received 30,20 percent Trailing far behind was the Armenian National Congress bloc, a coalition of radical opposition parties that received 7.10%. The bloc needed to pass a seven-percent threshold to enter parliament, higher than the five-percent threshold for individual parties. The Heritage party garnered 5.79% , the Armenian Revolutionary federation (Dashnaktsutyun) received 5.73% and Orinats Yerkir (Country of Law) 5.49% . 

According to the specified data, some 1,572, 518 people took part in Sunday’s elections or 62.33% of all eligible voters. -0-