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As Armenia heads into parliamentary and presidential elections after the 2008 post-election crackdown that threw the country into an unprecedented human rights crisis, the government needs to recommit politically to the international human rights principles and embrace established democratic election standards. 

Unless a comprehensive approach to resolving the root-causes of the strongly problematic 2008 elections and pending issues with extensive restrictions on freedom of assembly, continued harassment of the press, opposition supporters and activists, the existence of political prisoners there is little guarantee for holding free and fair elections.  These same problems now threaten to undermine prospects that any new government can gain the full confidence and support of the Armenian people.  The recent process of amending the RA Electoral Code, presented as a step to improve the electoral process, does not address any of the systemic challenges Armenia faces in the whole election period. Although civil society was invited to participate in the process and submit suggestions, most of these recommendations were not included in the draft that passed first reading in the National Assembly.

With elections approaching in a matter of months, and a worrying lack of political will, Armenian authorities need to make clear to all political parties and their supporters that no one is above the law.

We are particularly concerned about the continuous monopoly over the broadcast media by the ruling political coalition and lack of willingness by the Government to improve the situation, despite the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights.  Government’s persistent and continuous efforts in curbing the fundamental rights and freedoms create an atmosphere of impunity and lack of personal security.  Such an environment is not conducive for holding democratic elections.

We urge the government to give a particular attention to addressing the above listed problems. Specifically, we recommend to essentially reworking the draft amendments to the RA Electoral Code taking into serious consideration the suggestions of the civil society, as well as immediately address the range of human rights violations linked to the 2008 post-election unrest as well as a number of outstanding cases dating after the elections.

Particularly, we urge to pay special attention in addressing the following issues: transparency of voters’ lists, formation of electoral commissions, possible restrictions on local civil society organizations to observe elections, procedures of appeal of the results of elections, and structures and mechanisms of the enforcement of the electoral legislation provisions, ensuring increased women’s representation in politics.

“Partnership for Open Society” Initiative