MEMORANDUM ON HOLDING DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS IN ELECTORAL DISTRICT NO 4 IS VIOLATED
Noyan Tapan
Apr 19 2007
YEREVAN, APRIL 19, NOYAN TAPAN. Contrary to the memorandum on holding
free and fair elections, which was signed by the candidates proposed by
the majoritarian electoral system at electoral district No 4, a number
of violations have already been registered in this district. This was
announced at the April 19 press conference, in which 5 out of the 7
candidates registered in this electoral districts took part.
Representative of the Orinats Yerkir party Suren Mamikonian said that
some candidates give electoral bribes, while representatives of some
electoral headquarters collect citizens’ passport data, as well as
misinform local residents, telling them that only one candidate will
be voted on in their electoral district.
In the words of the RA National Assembly ARF faction’s head Hrayr
Karapetian, the terms of the memorandum are partly violated. He said
that he is going to make public facts about it on May 5.
Representative of the "Prosperous Armenia" party Hayrapet Hayrapetian
expressed an opinion that the instruction to tear advertising posters
could not come from the headquarters of any of the candidates because
posters of all candidates are being destroyed. He also indicated many
inaccuracies in electoral rolls.
Candidate of the Republican Party of Armenia Zohrab Zohrabian called
on to refrain from making anonymous accusations and to make public
the names of those guilty in case of revealing electoral violations.
According to member of the Armenian National Movement’s board Aram
Manukian, passports of citizens are being collected in order to prevent
then from participating in the elections. He noted that electoral
bribes are given not to some voters but to persons responsible for
buildings – in return for the obligation to ensure a certain number
of votes.
The candidates for deputacy participating in the press conference
agreed to hold joint meetings with voters.