Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
May 12 2007
Armenia holds parliamentary elections
[ 12 May 2007 15:45 ]
Armenians voted in parliamentary elections Saturday in what is being
billed as a litmus test for democracy in this impoverished ex-Soviet
country.
22 opposition parties and 1 bloc are running and analysts say these
divisions have scuttled chances of defeating two pro-government
parties – the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HKK) and the
Prosperous Armenia party.
About 2,285,830 of Armenia’s three million people are registered to
vote in elections for 131 seats in the national assembly.
All 131 seats are up for grabs – 90 to be chosen according to
proportions that parties get nationwide and the other 41 in
single-mandate contests.
13,333 observers from 50 local and 755 observers from 6 international
organizations are monitoring the vote.
8,000 police officers have been involved to keep the security.
Polls have started since 08.00 am (local time) in 1,923
constituencies.
The Central Election Commission will announce preliminary results
tomorrow. /APA/