Centre for Public Opinion and Democracy, Canada
Aug 23 2004

Armenians Fear Government Abuses, Electoral Fraud

(CPOD) Aug. 23, 2004 – Some residents of Armenia are worried about
potential government abuses and electoral fraud, according to a poll
by the Armenian Center for National and International Studies
(ACNIS). 21.8 per cent of respondents believe a confrontation between
authorities and the people would be the main political danger in the
country, while 20.7 per cent mention the falsification of election
results.

According to a Human Rights Watch report, hundreds of demonstrators
were detained in April and May during a series of protests against
the government. The offices of at least three opposition political
parties were raided.

President Robert Kocharyan was re-elected to a new four-year term in
March 2003 in an election marred by fraud allegations.

Political tension provoked by the opposition, a possible attempt of
revolt and the limitation of political and civil rights are also
cited as key concerns.

Polling Data

What is the major political danger that will threaten Armenia in the
next five years?

Confrontations between authorities and the people
21.8%

Falsification of election results
20.7%

Provocation of political tension by the opposition
14.2%

Possible attempt of revolt
11.6%

Limitation of political and civil rights
9.8%

Political terrorism
6.5%

Restriction of Armenia’s sovereignty
4.0%

Armenia’s absence from regional programs
2.9%

There is no political danger
6.8%

Other
1.4%

Source: Armenian Center for National and International Studies
(ACNIS)
Methodology: Interviews with 2,021 Armenian adults, conducted from
Jul. 15 to Aug. 2, 2004. No margin of error was provided.