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`Only 20-30% of population participates in the elections, the rest are
indifferent to the electoral process’
Press Release
Media Center, March10. Local government elections on March 9 were not
much different from the previous presidential and parliamentary
elections. “Citizen Observer” initiative has observed and recorded
numerous violations during these elections.
`There have been recorded violations of right to expression of will,
as well as abuses of administrative resources. Traditional methods
like institute of `supporters’ and inviting voters to the elections
with various promises were applied’,- says Tigran Yegoryan, member of
“Citizen Observer” initiative.
According to Tigran Yegoryan, at several polling stations there have
been up to 75 cases of `support’, when supporters instead of helping
voters to vote, have voted themselves.
“Citizen Observer” initiative has also recorded population’s passive
participation in the elections. `Only 20-30% of population
participates in the elections, the rest are indifferent to the
electoral process’,- says Tigran Yegoryan, member of “Citizen
Observer” initiative.
According to the “Citizen Observer” members, this index is due to the
wrong perception of the local government bodies.
`The perception of local government is extremely flawed in the
communities. Population is not ready to discuss their community
issues, call head of community administration to account’,- says Levon
Barseghyan, member of “Citizen Observer” initiative.
According to Lena Nazaryan, member of “Citizen Observer” initiative,
people are not aware of the community budget, expenditures,
candidates, right of running for office.
`People have vague idea of the essence of local government
bodies. They absolutely do not participate in the local government’,-
says Lena Nazaryan.
To raise awareness, “Citizen Observer” members have arranged number of
meetings in 13 communities with 240 people before the
elections. During those meetings they have presented the purpose of
the local government, the mayor’s powers and duties.
According to Artur Sakunts, member of “Citizen Observer” initiative,
the opposition’s passiveness (ANC’s passiveness in particular) in the
local government elections is due to the fact that local government
issues are not subject to political agenda for parties.
Levon Barseghyan finds it mandatory for opposition to participate in
local government elections.
`The opposition is obliged to participate in all levels of elections,
no matter how frustrated it is. To me, not participating is
unacceptable from the standpoint of political struggle’,- says Levon
Barseghyan.
“Citizen Observer” initiative is currently developing recommendations
for amendments to the Electoral Code, which will help to make the
electoral process more transparent.
Please follow this link
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to watch the full video of the Press Conference.
On March 10 members of `’Citizen Observer” initiative introduced
their observations on local government bodies elections. The speakers
were: Lena Nazaryan (Transparency International Anticorruption
Center), Tigran Yegoryan (Europe in Law association NGO), Artur
Sakunts (Helsinki Citizens Assembly, Vanadzor Office), Levon
Barseghyan (Asparez Journalists Club).
”Citizen Observer” initiative includes four organizations:
Transparency International Anticorruption Center, Europe in Law
association NGO, Helsinki Citizens Assembly, Vanadzor Office and
Asparez Journalists Club.
From: Baghdasarian