IS CEC POWERLESS?

A1+
[07:26 pm] 18 May, 2007

Today people assembled in front of the Central Electoral Commission
to support the World Box Champion Israel Hakobkokhyan.

To remind, three days ago Israel Hakobkokhyan went on hunger strike in
front of the CEC. He demands to consider election results at Precinct
11 invalid.

Though Garegin Azaryan, the CEC Chairman, met Hakobkokhyan and
explained that his request is beyond the CEC jurisdictions, the latter
did not give up his intention.

During our visit, Israel Hakobkokhyan was hardly able to speak as
his condition was rather poor.

Physicians state that he has certain problems with blood pleasure.

Former Ombudsman Larissa Alaverdyan, informed the Armenian Red Cross
about Israel Hakobkokhyan’s strike, but so far none of them has
turned up.

Tsovinar Khachatryan, the CEC Press Secretary, notes that it is
beyond their competence to support a hunger-striker. "He must have
submitted an application to reconsider and recount election results
in due time. He has chosen the worst way: the strike may be harmful
to his health," she told A1+.