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5 international and 12 domestic NGOs along with representatives from Diplomatic Missions accredited in Armenia have been accredited in the Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of Armenia to conduct observation mission during the upcoming presidential elections on February 18, 2013. Pursuant to the CEC official website, ICES (International Expert Center for Electoral Systems), OSCE/ODIHR, PACE (Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly), CIS Inter- Parliamentary Assembly and CIS Observation Mission.

12 domestic NGOs have been accredited up until January 28 including Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly-Vanadzor (81 observers), “Democratic and Electoral Processes” NGO (36 observers), “Armenian Center for Democratic Education-Civitas” (77 observers), “Electoral Systems Center” (60 observers), “Dilnet Service” (71 observers), “It’s Your Choice” (1066 observers), “Martuni Women’s Community Council” (285 observers), “Capacity and Development for Civil Society” (65 observers), “Harmony” (470 observers), “Unison NGO for Support of People with Special Needs”(15 observers), “Civil Society Institute” (67 observers), “Helsinki Committee of Armenia” (103 observers).

It is worth noting that Presidential Elections in Armenia will be held on February 18.

The Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), Prosperous Armenia, and Armenian National Congress do not partake in the elections; they neither nominate a candidate nor support any of nominated candidates. 8 candidates have been nominated including the incumbent RA President, leader of the Republican party, Hrant Bagratyan, Chairman of Freedom party, Raffi Hovannisian, leader of the Heritage party, Paruyr Hayrikyan, leader of the Union for National Self-Determination party, NKR Ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs Arman Melikyan, non-partisan Vardan Sedrakyan, an epic poetry expert, Andreas Ghukasyan, a political analyst and Aram Harutyunyan, leader of the National Conciliation Party

The official election campaign will launch on January 21.