EU AND OSCE TO SUPPORT DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS IN ARMENIA
HETQ
15:52, January 17, 2012
The European Union and OSCE will support democratic general elections
in Armenia in 2012 and 2013. The European Union and the OSCE have
agreed on a joint project, worth 1,7 million Euro, to be financed by
the European Union and implemented by the OSCE Office in Yerevan.
A press conference on the project will be held at 10:00 on 19 January
in the EU Delegation to Armenia, where the Head of EU Delegation
to Armenia Traian Hristea and the Deputy Head of the OSCE Office in
Yerevan Carel Hofstra will present and highlight details concerning
their joint project.
This initiative of the two international organizations re-confirms
their desire to support Armenia in conducting elections in line with
international standards. Being the first joint project related to
elections in Armenia, the project aims to support all stakeholders
involved in elections.
The project foresees the achievement of the following outcomes:
Skills among civil society are strengthened for professional
domestic observation and reporting on electoral processes, including
pre-electoral campaign, polling and complaints/appeals procedures.
Human rights protection in the country is enhanced and promoted through
strengthening the Human Rights Defender’s Office (HRDO) and expanding
its geographical outreach before, during and after the parliamentary
and presidential elections in 2012 and 2013 respectively. By
establishing regional offices the HRDO will become more accessible for
the population from the regions and will contribute to the improvement
of the protection of the human rights in the Republic of Armenia.
Technical and professional capacities of election commissions are
strengthened at all levels to carry out efficient and accountable
administration of electoral processes.
Technical and professional capacities of the Police to provide for
accurate and accessible voter lists that are integrated with other
relevant databases are improved.
Technical capacities, knowledge and skills of police officers involved
in organising rapid reaction to crime notifications, protecting public
order and investigating pre-electoral violence are improved.
Public awareness of electoral rights and procedures is raised among
population, especially outside Yerevan.