OSCE/ODIHR advises to send mission to monitor Armenia parliamentary election

All Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Needs Assessment Mission (OSCE/ODIHR NAM) interlocutors underscored the need for a large-scale OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission to monitor the forthcoming parliamentary election in Armenia, News.am reports.

“While many previous OSCE/ODIHR recommendations have been addressed, concerns were expressed about the effective implementation of the new Electoral Code and the impartiality of the election administration, including on election day.

“A number of aspects would merit specific attention by an OSCE/ODIHR election observation activity, including the conduct of the campaign and potential abuse of state resources, media coverage, functioning of the new voter identification system and web-cameras, access for citizen observers, publication and handling of signed voter lists, and resolution of possible complaints and appeals.

“Based on the findings of this report, the OSCE/ODIHR NAM recommends the deployment of an Election Observation Mission for the 2 April parliamentary elections, contingent upon the receipt of an official invitation from the Armenian authorities.

“In addition to a core team of experts, the OSCE/ODIHR NAM recommends the secondment of 24 long-term observers from OSCE participating States to follow the electoral process countrywide, and 250 short-term observers to follow election day proceedings.

“In line with the OSCE/ODIHR’s standard methodology, the mission would include a media monitoring element,” reads the respective OSCE/ODIHR NAM statement.