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–         Whereas the importance of the 2012 Parliamentary Elections for the future progress of our country,

–         Whereas the necessity to hold elections that are in compliance with the democratic expectations of Armenian Society and in accordance with International Standards,

–         In respect to the importance of the forthcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia for EU-Armenia cooperation and implementation of reforms within the framework of the Eastern Partnership,

–         In consideration of the responsibility of Civil Society in promoting the provision forfree, fair and transparent elections,

–         In respect to the importance of the more active efforts of the EaP Civil Society Forum in the process of the development of democratic institutions in Eastern Partnership Countries

The Armenian National Platform of the Civil Society Forum welcomes engagement of non-governmental organizations in the process of observation of the elections, participation of the Armenian National Platform members and other ArmenianCivil Society Organizations in the monitoring of different components of the electoral process, as well asinforming Armenian Citizens about their electoral rights and obligations.

We consider it a natural and reasonable fact that individual representatives of NGOs decide to enter politics and nominate themselves as candidates in elections.

At the same time, the Armenian National Platform

1. States that the NGOs in Armenia are diverse and cannot support any concrete political party in principle. The membership in a NGO cannot be based on political preferences, and the agenda of an organization cannot include the issue of supporting any of the political parties. These principles are based on the legislation of the Republic of Armenia, which prohibits direct participation of CSOs in political activities. Thus, NGOs do not have the right of stating that they support a particular political party or candidate.
2. Finds that the above mentioned refers also to compatriots associations since their statements of supporting aparticular political party or candidate can serve as a reason for ethnic or regional dissention.
3. Considers the use of charitable foundations in electoral campaigns not only a serious violation of the existing legislation, but also discreditsthe idea ofcharity.
4. Emphasizes that those representatives of CSOs that are nominated as candidates are acting solely as individuals and not as delegates of their organizations.
5. States those CSO representatives nominated for elections must discontinue their involvement in the organization prior to elections and not later that the official launch of the election promotion.
6. Considers inacceptable theuse of grant funds given to organizations by local or international institutions  by a political party or candidate.