Armenia pre-election climate threatens fair vote - CE observers
The situation in Armenia ahead of the February 19 presidential
election leaves a lot to be desired, the Council of Europe (CE)
representatives have concluded.
The CE Parliamentary Assembly observation mission that has arrived in Yerevan to monitor the pre-election climate and the polling said obstacles are being posed for some election candidates' meetings with the voters and their lease of offices. Certain election hopefuls are facing hurdles with their campaigns. All these roadblocks are casting a shadow of doubt on the conduct of a fair and transparent vote. Moreover, many Armenians lack confidence in the democratic conduct of the election, according to a preliminary feedback of the observation mission.
A total of nine candidates will stand in the election. Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian is among the candidates enjoying most popular support. 43% of Armenian citizens are ready to cast their ballots for him, according to a recent survey.
The week-long poll, conducted earlier this month among 1,200 people by Baltic Survey Ltd./The Gallup Organization has found that the presidential hopeful had succeeded in improving his rating compared to December 2007 when he enjoyed the support of only 35% of the electorate, local media reported.
Sarkisian is followed by the leader of the Orinas Erkir party Artur Baqdasaryan, who is backed by 11% of voters. The National Unity party chairman Artashes Gegamyan enjoys 6% popular support.
The CE Parliamentary Assembly observation mission that has arrived in Yerevan to monitor the pre-election climate and the polling said obstacles are being posed for some election candidates' meetings with the voters and their lease of offices. Certain election hopefuls are facing hurdles with their campaigns. All these roadblocks are casting a shadow of doubt on the conduct of a fair and transparent vote. Moreover, many Armenians lack confidence in the democratic conduct of the election, according to a preliminary feedback of the observation mission.
A total of nine candidates will stand in the election. Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian is among the candidates enjoying most popular support. 43% of Armenian citizens are ready to cast their ballots for him, according to a recent survey.
The week-long poll, conducted earlier this month among 1,200 people by Baltic Survey Ltd./The Gallup Organization has found that the presidential hopeful had succeeded in improving his rating compared to December 2007 when he enjoyed the support of only 35% of the electorate, local media reported.
Sarkisian is followed by the leader of the Orinas Erkir party Artur Baqdasaryan, who is backed by 11% of voters. The National Unity party chairman Artashes Gegamyan enjoys 6% popular support.
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