SHAVARSH KOCHARIAN DOES NOT EXCLUDE THAT AUTHORITIES MAY MAKE USE OF
HOLDING OF "EXIT POLL" DURING ELECTIONS IN THEIR INTERESTS

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 26, NOYAN TAPAN. An atmosphere, which is
characterized not by the introduction of programs and open discussions
but by mutual charges and "black PR", has been formed on the eve of the
presidential elections. This statement was made by Shavarsh Kocharian,
the Leader of the National Democratic Party, at the press conference
held on December 26. He called to the candidates running for presidency
for transferring the pre-electoral struggle from the frameworks of the
"black PR" into the course of normal discussions.

Shavarsh Kocharian called the allegation, according to which the main
struggle will develop between Levon Ter-Petrosian, the first President
of the Republic of Armenia, and Serge Sargsian, the current Prime
Minister, as far-fetched. In his words, these rumours are beneficial
only for the authorities as in case of a similar arrangement of forces,
the elections will be held in one stage and the representative of the
authoritatives will win.

Shavarsh Kocharian declared that he has a positive attitude towards
holding an "exit poll" during the elections, as similar polls make the
election processes more transparent. In addition to this, he did not
exclude that the authorities may make use of that mechanism in their
interests.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress