PROBLEM OF ACCESS TO INFORMATION IN THE PRE-ELECTION PERIOD WAS DISCUSSED IN STEPANAKERT
KarabakhOpen
18-05-2007 18:20:14
A round-table meeting on access to information in the pre-election
period was held in Stepanakert by the Unity youth organization.
The organization had conducted a poll the results of which suggest
that half of respondents are not aware of the presidential election
on July 19 or are not aware who the candidates are. In addition, most
respondents say they learn news from television, although they do not
think the Public channel of Karabakh provides sufficient information.
The executive director of Artsakh Public TV and Radio Vardges
Bagryan said it does everything provided by the law. The president of
Stepanakert Press Club, Member of Parliament Gegham Baghdasaryan said
the media reflect the political reality in Karabakh. "The media cannot
lead the political and public spheres. Over the past few months the
political parties have held a number of meetings and consultations
but none was discussed publicly. Unfortunately, the pre-election
period in Karabakh passes in secrecy, and this affects the media,"
said Gegham Baghdasaryan.
"I agree that the media are not to blame for the passive political
process.
But I disagree that everything is backstage. The parties have announced
their standpoints, there can be no active process until the start
of the election campaign," said Vahram Atanesyan, the chair of the
committee of external relations of the National Assembly.
Armine Petrosyan, chair of the Generation of Haik youth organization,
said they are likely to set up a Youth Headquarters which will call
on people to vote. She said they are already seeking sponsors.