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On July 28^th, 2015, Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly – Vanadzor held a presentation of the “Implementation of IEOM Recommendations in Armenia in 2003-2013” Assessment Report.

The report has been prepared by Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly – Vanadzor with financial support from the European Commission in the framework of the project “EPDE support for advocacy campaigns on electoral issues in the Eastern Partnership countries”, implemented by Promo-LEX Association.

Representatives of NGOs, state institutions, embassies in Armenia, and mass media participated in the presentation.

The goals, objectives, methodology and the results of the study were introduced during the presentation.

The presentation of results was followed by a discussion, during which participants touched upon the implementation of specific recommendations. In particular, Heriknaz Tigranyan, the lawyer of Transparency International Anti-corruption Center, mentioned that contrary to the recommendations that encouraged facilitation for the activities of domestic observers, the RA authorities have limited the rights of observation missions even more by repealing the provision on not being held liable for expressing an opinion on electoral violations and depriving them of the right to submit complains regarding electoral violations as well. In this regard Vahan Movsisyan, Chairman of Community Finance Officers Association said that the organization applied to the RA Central Electoral Commission for observing the referendum on the enlargement of communities, but it was rejected on the basis that the organization’s statute did not include human rights protection. Mr. Movsisyan is convinced that electoral processes are directly related to the community development and any community based organization must be able to observe the elections and referenda held in their communities without any obstacles.

Touching upon the usage of mobile ballot boxes, Karen Chilingaryan, the head of “Consumers’ Consultation Center” NGO, expressed his concern that the control over frauds might be ineffective, if mobile ballot boxes are used. Participants suggested various solutions to the problem, nevertheless it was stressed that the suggestion of mechanisms for the implementation of individual recommendations is not the goal of this discussion.

Naira Sultanyan, the representative of the British Embassy in Armenia, wondered whether the issue of developing a culture of political debate has been raised by international observation missions. It was noted that in that regard the recommendations were for the media, suggesting them to ensure pluralism and proper awareness of voters through various means.

Sona Ayvazyan, Deputy Director of Transparency International Anti-corruption Center, stated that the results of the study once again testify that the electoral system in Armenia stills needs serious reforms and in this context it is unacceptable to hold a referendum for the adoption of Constitutional amendments, because there are no guarantees that the referendum results will not be forged.

The representative of RA Central Electoral Commission, Gevorg Petrosyan suggested to hold a working meeting in order to discuss the results presented in the report. Artur Sakunts, Chairman of HCA Vanadzor, noted that the report will be presented to the relevant international observation missions as well. A decision was made to hold another meeting giving all of the stakeholders an opportunity to become familiar with the study results beforehand.