RIA Novosti, Russia
May 12 2007

New Times opposition party cites violations in Armenia polls
16:50 | 12/ 05/ 2007

YEREVAN, May 12 (RIA Novosti) – Armenia’s New Times opposition party
said a televised statement that the country’s top security official
made on the day of parliamentary elections was illegal.

The party quoted Gorik Akopyan, the head of the National Security
Service, as saying, "The authorities will not let the minority to
impose its choice on the majority."

"This statement … is direct pressure on the people of Armenia,
which also seriously violates the Election Code," the party said.

New Times cited other irregularities in the voting process, including
the lack of eligible voters in the lists, votes cast in favor of the
pro-government Republican Party in the absence of those Armenian
voters who are currently staying in Russia.

In the runup to the elections, thousands of opposition supporters
gathered in the streets of Yerevan, the capital, Thursday to protest
against the rule of President Robert Kocharyan and demand his
resignation. The opposition also vowed to resume protests Sunday if
the elections turned out to be fraudulent.

The favorite of the race is the Republican Party (HHK) of Prime
Minister Serzh Sarkisyan, which is running together with
pro-presidential Prosperous Armenia and Dashnatsutyun.

The leading opposition parties include Zharangutyun (Legacy),
Impeachment, Republic, and New Times.