US AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA WAS IN HRAZDAN AND DIDN’T NOTICE ELECTORAL FRAUD IN MAYORAL ELECTIONS
epress.am
02.14.2012
US Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern personally followed the mayoral
elections in Hrazdan on Sunday.
“A heated battle took place there. There were two powerful candidates,”
he said, speaking to journalists in Yerevan on Tuesday and mentioning
that he personally visited the northern Armenian city on election day.
“It was really interesting for me to see real political competition
here, which, in my opinion, is very important also for the upcoming
[parliamentary] elections,” he said.
Heffern described how he met with the two parties, members of the
local electoral commission, and election observers.
“I was happy to see that everything was in order at the polling
stations. Both sides assured me that the elections are being held in
a transparent and proper manner,” said the US ambassador.
To a RFE/RL’s Armenian service (Azatutyun) correspondent’s remark
that the opposition insists that there was electoral fraud in Hrazdan,
Ambassador Heffern said: “I have seen in the press, as well as heard
of some incidents of electoral fraud, and I hope that all those who
have information about electoral fraud come forward and inform the
authorities, and I expect that the authorities will take measures in
connection with these.”
Recall, Republican Party of Armenia candidate, incumbent Aram Danielyan
gathered 1,573 more votes than Armenian National Congress (opposition)
candidate Sasun Mikaelyan and was re-elected as mayor of Hrazdan.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
Disclaimer: This article was contributed and translated into English by Emil Lazarian. While we strive for quality, the views and accuracy of the content remain the responsibility of the contributor. Please verify all facts independently before reposting or citing.
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