OSCE Office in Yerevan supports publications on elections

ArmRadio.am
26.03.2007 13:13

The electoral process in Armenia, as well as the corresponding
legislation and its practical implementation during the 12 May
parliamentary elections are the focus of two new publications
presented in Yerevan today.

The publications were prepared by a group of experts from the NGO
Democracy in co-operation with the Armenian Central Electoral
Commission, and published with financial support from the OSCE Office
in Yerevan and the Italian Government.

`The importance of proper education and training for election
officials is crucial for ensuring professionally administered
elections,’ said Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin, the Head of the OSCE
Office.

`The new publications will be useful not only for professionals
involved in the electoral process, but also for voters in general.’

Garegin Azaryan, the Chairman of the Central Electoral Commission,
added: `I believe the manuals will help all those involved in the
electoral process to fulfill their functions in line with the Armenian
legislation, will contribute to improvement of election
administration.’

The first publication, a guide for Precinct Election Commission (PEC)
members, will be used during training courses organized by the Central
Electoral Commission with the assistance of the International
Foundation for Election Systems prior to elections. It provides the
necessary information on the functions of PEC members, as well as the
rights and responsibilities of all sides involved in the electoral
process.

The second publication provides a comprehensive analysis of electoral
legislation and its application. It also introduces recommendations
on the settlement of electoral disputes in line with the existing
legislation, and describes potential conflict situations during
elections, and provides advice on how to solve them within the limits
of the existing election procedures.

The two manuals have a circulation of 20,000 copies each.