Armenia: Presidential Election

A preliminary statement released March 6 by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe concludes that the Armenian Presidential election on March 5 was "marred by serious irregularities in a large number of polling stations," in a process that, "fell short of international standards for democratic elections."

The United States concurs with this view, and is deeply disappointed by the electoral irregularities that have been reported. While the presence of Armenian domestic observers in many polling stations was positive, a number of problems were identified: such as ballot box stuffing, "carousel" voting at multiple polling stations, inappropriate military voting, the intimidation, absence or expulsion of opposition proxies, and apparent intimidation of some of the observers. The period between the two election rounds also was marred by a number of shortcomings, including detentions without due process and lack of accountability for irregularities in the first round.

Armenia’s leadership missed an important opportunity to advance democratization by holding a credible election. We urge the government to recommit to building a democratic Armenia and to restore public confidence, beginning with a full and transparent investigation of election irregularities and accountability for those responsible. We call on the opposition to pursue its legitimate election grievances through peaceful and legal processes. We expect all political elements in Armenia to avoid post-election violence, and to adhere to the Armenian constitution.