INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS PERSONALLY WITNESSED
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[01:54 pm] 30 September, 2008
The local and regional authorities of the Council of Europe Congress
observing the local government elections that took place yesterday are
concerned that the lack of transparency and the tension in a series
of polls are casting a shadow on the on-going democratic development
of Armenia.
"The low level of voter turnout in areas where senior council elections
were being held underlines the low level of voter interest in issues
concerning local government," stated the observers who visited nearly
100 polls.
On the other hand, "in areas where there was high political interest,
violations, tensions and in some cases the disproportionate amount
of voter participation, we got the impression that the political
democratic culture needs further strengthening in Armenia." The
observers noted that they have witnessed the lack of transparency in
votes and in the counting of votes. All of the conclusions will be
presented during the fall session of the Congress. The CE delegation
was headed by Mrs. Veronik Moreira from France and the observatory
mission included 10 observers.