A NUMBER OF TV COMPANIES ALREADY IMPLEMENTS PRE-ELECTORAL
ADVERTISEMENT, RUBEN TOROSIAN STATES

YEREVAN, APRIL 2, NOYAN TAPAN. "The 2007 parliamentary elections
started and proceed with serious violations of the international
standards which will have an essential influence on results of the
votion." Ruben Torosian, the Chairman of the public commission
controlling legality of the elections stated at the April 2
discussion.

In his words, violating the order and conditions of the pre-electoral
propaganda fixed by the law, almost all the pro-ruling parties were
given possibility to implement wide-spread propaganda mission still
till April 8 what is defined by the RA Central Electoral Commision as
the official start of the pre-electoral campaign. So, pre-electoral
advertisement is already broadcast by a number of TV companies,
including Armenia, ALM, Kentron, TV5. Whereas, as R. Torosian
mentioned, Article 11 of the law "On Television and Radio" prohibits
broadcast of political or other propaganda materials by TV companies
during the period of time preceding the official propaganda mission of
elections. He also reminded that similar programs must perhaps be
accompanied by the "political advertisement" inscription.

Besides, in R. Torosian’s words, the Republic Party of Armenia,
"Bargavach Hayastan" (Prosperous Armenia) party and People’s Party
place material values and services at citizens’ disposal. "Preparation
and holding of the elections in these conditions will strike the next
blow to expression of the people’s free will at the elections," he
mentioned.