SOME ARMENIANS EXPECT FRAUDULENT VOTE
Angus Reid Global Monitor, Canada
April 30 2007
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many adults in Armenia’s capital
believe the upcoming parliamentary ballot will not be completely
fair, according to a poll by Sociometer. 45 per cent of respondents
in Yerevan expect the election to be marred by electoral fraud.
In addition, 29 per cent of respondents expect a few irregularities,
and only eight per cent think the process will definitely be fair.
Armenian president Robert Kocharyan was re-elected to a new four-year
term in March 2003 in an election marred by fraud allegations. On May
12, Armenia will renew the 131-member National Assembly. A presidential
ballot will take place in 2008.
Earlier this month, European Union (EU) special representative to the
South Caucasus Peter Semneby discussed the current state of affairs,
saying, "Fraudulent elections would be a lost opportunity for a firm
relationship between Yerevan and Brussels."
Polling Data
Do you think the election will be marred by electoral fraud?
Yes, completely 45%
A few cases will be reported 29%
No, definitely 8%
Source: Sociometer Methodology: Interviews with 1,466 Armenian
voters in Yerevan, conducted on Apr. 21, 2007. No margin of error
was provided.