Trend News Agency, Azerbaijan
May 30 2008

ODIHR publishes final assessment on Armenia’s presidential election
30.05.08 15:31

The pre-election and voting period of Armenia’s presidential election
was conducted in a manner that mostly met OSCE commitments, but
problems arose, notably after the vote, the OSCE Office for Democratic
Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said in a final report on the
February election, released today, reported OSCE.

"While the 2008 presidential election mostly met OSCE commitments and
international standards in the pre-election period and during voting
hours, serious challenges to some commitments did emerge, especially
after election day," the report says.

"This displayed an insufficient regard for standards essential to
democratic elections and devalued the overall election process. In
particular, the vote count demonstrated deficiencies of accountability
and transparency, and complaints and appeals procedures were not fully
effective."

The ODIHR monitored the February presidential election with 44
long-term and 250 short-term observers from over 40 OSCE participating
States. The report assesses the electoral process for compliance with
OSCE commitments, other international standards and national
legislation.

"There is a sound legal basis for holding democratic elections in
Armenia – the deficiencies noted in our report resulted primarily from
a lack of determination to apply existing laws and rules effectively
and impartially," said Ambassador Christian Strohal, Director of the
ODIHR.

"Improving Armenia’s electoral framework does not require so much
further technical or legal changes, but rather a genuine commitment by
the authorities at all levels, as well as all other political
stakeholders, to a democratic electoral process free of undue State
interference and in line with OSCE standards."

The report makes concrete recommendations on how to improve Armenia’s
election framework. These include measures to address the lack of
public confidence in the electoral process, to ensure that all
citizens are able to cast their votes free of coercion or
intimidation, and to establish a clear separation between State
structures and the ruling party.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress