ARF CLAIMS THAT SURVEY CONDUCTED UNDER SLOGANS AND SYMBOLS OF PARTY IS NOT VIOLATION OF ELECTORAL LAW

Noyan Tapan
Nov 29, 2007

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 29, NOYAN TAPAN. Red tents with symbols of the
ARF appeared in Yerevan streets a few days ago, while young men in
jackets of the same color are calling on by-passers to vote for the
two candidates of the ARF at the presidential elections. The photos
and biographies of the ARF Bureau member Vahan Hovhannesian and
the ARF Armenia Supreme Body representtaive Armen Rustamian have
the heading: "Participate In Our Election, Vote for the Candidate
of Dashnaktsutyun". The authors of the leaflet with the slogans:
"Our Old Friend – New President of the Country" and "Why President
from the Dashnaktsuntyun?" make the following appeal to compatriots:
"On the eve of the presidential elections, we suggest that you think
for a moment about entrusting the helm of the country’s governance
to the candidate of Dashnaktsutyun."

In response to NT correspondent’s question, there was information from
the ARF press service that this event held prior to the start of the
official propaganda campaign is not a violation of the Electoral Code
because it is not a pre-election propaganda but a survey to determine
the ratings of the two candidates. The results of the survey conducted
for a week will be finalized and made public at the November 30 ARF
Supreme Assembly, during which the party will make a final decision
on choosing their canidate for presidency.