Police reviewing 143 cases of infringements at Yerevan council of elders election
06.05.2013,
19:52
As of 14:30, Armenia’s Police are reviewing 143 cases of violations recorded at May 5 Yerevan Council of Elders election.
“Hot line” of Police received 5 signals, and “hot lines” of Yerevan office- 54 signals.
“Hot line” of Police received 5 signals, and “hot lines” of Yerevan office- 54 signals.
YEREVAN, May 6./ARKA/. As of 14:30, Armenia’s Police are reviewing 143 cases of violations recorded at May 5 Yerevan Council of Elders election. “Hot line” of Police received 5 signals, and “hot lines” of Yerevan office- 54 signals.
Out of 143 cases, 40 refer to election bribes, 1- out-of-order voting, 16-impeding of voters’ free will, 13-voter fraud, 22- re-voting or twice-voting for different candidates, 18-impeding of activities of trustees, journalists, etc., 6-violation of secret voting and 27 other infringements (inaccuracies in electoral lists, arguments at polling stations, thefts, congestions, transportation of voters).
The Police also said 11 cases were signaled by ARF Dashnaktsutyun , 12-by “Hello, Yerevan!” bloc and Heritage party, 6-by the Armenian National Congress, 1-Orinats Yerkir, 2-Prosperous Armenia, and 111- different sources, such as media outlets, public organizations and citizens.
Most of violations were recorded in Malatia administrative district (34), least – in Erebuni (7). In addition, 5 cases were recorded in Kentron (Center), 28-in Arabkir, 18-Kanaker-Zeytun, 16-Shengavit, 9-Nor Norq.
“The materials are being prepared. Four criminal cases are opened,” the source stated.
Yerevan Council of Elders election was held on May 5 at 464 polling stations in 12 administrative districts of the capital. According to the preliminary data, the Republican Party of Armenia won the vote (55.86% or 235, 512 votes). The electoral threshold was also passed by Prosperous Armenia with 23.05% or 97, 189 votes and “Hello, Yerevan!” bloc (8.47% or 35,732 votes).
Over 6,600 local observers from 27 organizations and international watchdog from Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe were monitoring the election.
The following parties failed to enter Yerevan Council of Elders: Armenian National Congress (18, 499 or 4.39%), ARF Dashnaktsutyun (15, 999 or 3.79%), Orinats Yerkir (15, 733 or 3.73%) and Araqelutyun (Mission) (2,692 or 0.64%).
The Council of Elders is made up of 65 members who are elected through party lists. If a party or a bloc gains 50% of the vote, the top candidate of the list automatically becomes Yerevan Mayor. Otherwise, Mayor will be elected by the Council members. The minimal threshold for parties is 6%, for blocs-8%.—0-
