Parliamentary Elections in Armenia Called “Fair” By International Observers
22 May 2007 | Printer Friendly

According to Reuters, last week’s parliamentary elections in Armenia for the 131 seat National Assembly have been declared free and fair by foreign observers.  The OSCE, Council of Europe and the European Union presidency have all enforced the election results.  The report says “this was the first election former Society Armenia has held that Western observers said was fair,” citing the flawed 2003 parliamentary vote which was deemed “below democratic standards.”  The New York Times is reporting that there were “signs of an open campaign,” as “opposition parties held public rallies without police harassment and were allowed free air time on public television.”  Prior to the election the European Union and United States both warned of suspended aid and “scaled back” relations with Armenia if “irregularities were repeated (from the 2003 vote).” 

The International Herald Tribune reports that Prime Minister Serge Sarkisian’s Republican Party lead with 32.8% of the vote, with the closest competitor gaining 14.7% of the vote.  Around 1.37 million Armenian’s voted in the elections, which reflects around 60% of registered voters.  According to the New York Times, the parliamentary elections were seen as a precursor to next year’s presidential election.  Prime Minister Sarkisian is seen “as the principal contender” in the presidential election, which is scheduled for February 2008.

References:

Electionguide.org (IFES): Armenia Elections

International Herald Tribune: Armenian prime minister's party takes most votes in parliamentary election; observers note improvements

New York Times: Foreigners Praise Conduct of Armenian Elections

Reuters: OSCE says Armenia vote was fair