Illegal interference from authorities or elsewhere should be avoided

Armen Babajanian
Texas, USA
07-07-2007 16:46:20 – KarabakhOpe

As the presidential election draws near in Nagorno-Karabagh, it is
critical to keep in mind the significance of free and democratic
elections. Our neighbors, our foes and the international community will
judge Karabagh Armenians and Armenians everywhere based on the outcome
of these elections. Fraudulent and undemocratic elections will signifiy
a corrupt and inequitable form of government reminescent of Soviet
rule. On the other hand, fair, free and democratic elections will
signifiy an independent Nagorno-Karabagh and one which the
international community, including the Armenian Diaspora, can respect
and eventually recognize.

Government entities and officials in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh
stress the importance of freedom and democracy, stating its "importance
for any state, it presets the path of development of the country."
Illegal interference from authorities or elsewhere should be avoided.
Therefore, free and unfraudalunent elections should be the primary
concern regardless of the outcome of the elections. The elections
should voice the concerns of the majority of the people and whoever
they decide should win from the 5 leading candidates.

The prestige of Armenians around the world is contingent upon these
fair and free elections in Nagorno-Karabagh.