REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA Report
City Council Elections of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
CITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS OF YEREVAN
May 31, 2009
May 31
REPORT ON LOCAL O B S E R V E R S Helsinki Committee of Armenia г۳ëï³ÝÇ Ð»ÉëÇÝÏÛ³Ý ÏáÙÇï»
Helsinki Committee of Armenia
Urban Foundation for Sustainable Development
2009
Local observers’ mission jointly implemented by Helsinki Committee of Armenia and Urban Foundation for Sustainable Development
CITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS OF YEREVAN REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA May 31, 2009
REPORT ON LOCAL O B S E R V E R S Helsinki Committee of Armenia г۳ëï³ÝÇ Ð»ÉëÇÝÏÛ³Ý ÏáÙÇï»
Helsinki Committee of Armenia
Urban Foundation for Sustainable Development
“Friday� club, June 2, 2009 Project Managers present the preliminary report on observation of Yerevan City Council Elections
On May 31, 2009 the Helsinki Committee of Armenia and the Urban Foundation for Sustainable Development observed the municipal elections in Yerevan. The observation was conducted in 49 electoral precincts of Arabkir District (4/01- 4/32 and 5/18 - 5/34). In 46 electoral precincts out of the 49 observed the observation was done from 07:00 until the ballot calculation and preparing and signing of the final Protocols. During the whole observation day about 100 observers replaced each other by ensuring permanent presence of the Helsinki Committee of Armenia observers in the selected electoral precincts. There were also travelling observers, who moved from one electoral precinct to another during the elections day. We would like to invite the attention of those interested by the following report to two important circumstances provided below: 1. The Helsinki Committee of Armenia and the Urban Foundation for Sustainable Development have conducted only the monitoring of the Election Day within this project, thus there is no reflection regarding the pre-electoral campaign or the use of administrative resources in this report. 2. The observation of the Election Day was conducted only in Arabkir District, and the conclusions drawn herein concern only the voting process, counting of votes and compilation of final protocols in Arabkir District.
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The Helsinki Committee of Armenia and the Urban Foundation for Sustainable Development trust their partner non governmental organizations, which have conducted observation missions in other districts of Yerevan and have registered various frauds. The facts of electoral frauds presented in their reports need a thorough analysis and relevant legal consideration, in particular those registered in Malatsia-Sebastia community. As it is seen from the data registered by our observers, which coincides with the official data declared by the CEC, in Arabkir Community the ARP has got the majority of votes, the ANC is on the second place with not a big difference in the number of votes, and the PAP is on the third place.
Report of Local Observers
May 31, 2009
In the result of the Election Day observation our main conclusion is the following: if there were not mass disorders, then the general picture of Yerevan municipal elections, almost possibly, would be alike the one registered in Arabkir Community.
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Though there were no significant frauds in Arabkir community, and the voting was better here, compared to other precincts, our observers have registered a few violations that are noteworthy. The Election Day observation showed that in almost all electoral precincts there were accumulations of the voters, which led to the confusion in the electoral precincts and made the processes uncontrollable. In some electoral precincts, the police officers participated also in ballot calculation process. Cases of group voting, open voting, directed voting, voting by social security cards, copy of the passport, voting by using other citizen's passport were recorded. In some electoral precincts our observers have also notices individuals with lists in their hands, moving inside and outside of the electoral precincts and taking data on voter's participation. Some of the observers recorded that same individuals had both the observer's and proxy's ID's, some observers cooperated closely with proxies, for instance, observers of “Avet” educational and consulting NGO, “Armenian Association of Peace and Conflict Studies” cooperated with Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) observers, and
City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
observers of “Nor-Nork Community Development Center” NGO and “It's Your Choice” NGO cooperated with Armenian Republican Party (ARP) proxies. Our observers have also recorded the presence of empty envelopes, in the result of which the missing ballots were deemed invalid. Despite aforementioned violations, as a result of observation mission conducted by us, we record that in almost all electoral precincts of Arabkir the voting process was generally quiet and organized, without open violence. All the election processes including ballot calculation, were being controlled by the Precinct Electoral Commission, obsevers, and proxies. Nearly all observers were provided with exerpts from the final protocols signed and stamped by the Commission Chairman and Commission Secretary. Data in protocols match with data announced by the Central Electoral Commission (CEC). As a result of the observation mission in the aforementioned electoral precincts during the Yerevan City Council Elections on 31 May, 2009, the following findings were recorded:
ACCUMULATION OF VOTERS Accumulations of large number of voters were observed in the electoral precincts, in the result of which sometimes there were confusions and uncontrollable situations and the members of the Electoral Commission were not able to properly carry out their responsibilities. The Observers and Proxies did not have an opportunity for due monitoring of the whole voting process. For instance, sometimes, in the electoral precincts 4/01, 4/08, 4/09, 5/18, 15-20 and more voters were present in the electoral precinct at the same time, and they were being coordinated and guided (According to the Article 54, paragraph 4 of RoA Electoral Code, the number of voters simultaneously present in the electoral precinct cannot exceed 15 people).
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PRESENCE OF POLICE IN THE ELECTORAL PRECINCTS Presence of police officers was observed in some electoral precincts, both during the voting and ballot calculation processes. The police officers were in police uniform and in some electoral precincts tried to influence the free expression of the voters' will and in some cases silently followed to the whole election process (According to the Article 54, paragraph 2 of the RoA Electoral Code, besides the members of precinct electoral commission and the voters, the proxies of the candidates, observers and representative of mass media, and superior electoral commission members can be present in the electoral precincts).
Report of Local Observers
May 31, 2009
LOCATION OF ELECTORAL BOOTHS IN THE ELECTORAL PRECINCTS
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In most of the aforementioned electoral precincts, the electoral booths were arranged in accordance with the law, however there were some electoral precincts, were the electoral booths were placed very close to each other or not far from the registration table (Requirements of RoA Electoral Code, Article 48 were partially violated).
CASES OF OPEN AND GROUP VOTING Cases of open and group voting (when 2-3 voters were simultaneously present in same electoral booth) were recorded in 4/01, 4/03, 4/11, 5/28 electoral precincts. In the aforementioned electoral precincts, some voters approached the ballot box and the Commission member responsible for stamping the voting envelope without placing the ballot into the voting envelope. Some voters announced loudly whom they voted for (According to the Article 58, paragraph 3 of RoA Electoral Code, the voter fills out the ballot secretly in the electoral booth. Besides the case mentioned in the Article 58, paragraph 4 of RoA Electoral Code, during voting the presence in the electoral booth of other person is forbidden).
City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
DIRECTED VOTING There were cases of directed voting in almost all electoral precincts: the Commission Chairman or members, sometimes the proxies of some candidates or unauthorized persons with lists in their hands directed the voters and instructed them whom to vote for. This was the case, for instance, in the electoral precincts 4/01, 4/06, 4/07, 4/08, 4/21, 4/25, 5/18.
BRINGING VOTERS BY CARS, MINI-BUSES TO ELECTORAL PRECINCTS AND OVERT CAMPAIGNING ON ELECTIONS DAY On Yerevan City Council Election day (May 31, 2009), for some electoral precincts of Arabkir district our observers recorded cases of bringing voters by cars, mini-buses to the electoral precincts and directing them to vote for a specific candidate. Similar cases were observed mostly in the following electoral precincts: 4/10, 4/15, 4/20, 4/29. On the elections day overt and covert campaigning was conducted by the Commission members, proxies, and even by observers. (According to the Article 1, paragraph 2 of RoA Electoral Code, the citizens of the Republic of Armenia having the right to vote, participate in the elections directly, by the expression of free will and on voluntary basis. Also, the requirements of Articles 22, 22.1 and 23 were violated).
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ANNEX
Report of Local Observers
May 31, 2009
Arabkir, 4/01 Electoral Precinct
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Number of voters on the voter list -1981 Number of voters participating in voting - 1016 An observer was present starting from 06:30 to 01:15 by the time of preparation and signing of the final Protocol. 1. The atmosphere was calm in the electoral precinct. From the beginning of the work the member of the Commission was reading the RoA Electoral Code and the Commission Chairman carried out the action in accordance with the instructions of the Electoral Code. 2. On certain hours, accumulation of people has been observed in the electoral precinct including the accumulation of unauthorized persons. 3. The Commission started work at 07:10. While working, a tension was observed between the Commission members representing ARP and PAP. 4. There was a feeling of covert campaigning inside and outside of electoral precinct. 5. The voting process at the electoral precinct was observed by some observers, who in reality represented certain parties: for instance, “AVET” NGO represented PAP, “Liberal and Democratic ” NGO represented ALSP, and the observer of the “It's Your Choice” NGO was cooperating with ARP representatives. 6. During the voting, a citizen showed up in electoral precinct and started shouting and giving instruction to the Commission members and observers. While instructing the observer of the Helsinki Committee of Armenia, the observer asked him to introduce himself and warned that was preparing a protocol on actions. The unauthorized person introduced himself as Vahe Eloyan of some oversight service. The observer could not clarify from anybody on the announcement of unauthorized person; neither could he figure out the identity of the person and the legality of his being at the electoral precinct. 7. After leaving the electoral precinct, “Gazel” mini-buses were noticed (1044S, 1863S), which transported voters to the electoral precinct.
City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
8. Outside the electoral precinct, the PAP proxy directed voters to the electoral precinct. 9. During the ballot calculation and summarizing the results of the voting, two reporters of “Haykakan Zhamanak” daily overtly demonstrated that they were proponents of ANC and occasionally were quarrelling with the Commission Secretary. 10. The ballot box was unsealed at 21:20, before that, the ballot box was under the oversight of the observers, reporters of “Haykakan Zhamanak” daily, proxy of the People's Party and the Commission Chairman. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Nshan Karapetyan, the Commission Chairman and Heghine Pogratyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 1213. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 259 “Armenian National Congress” – 158 “Armenian Republican Party” – 447
Arabkir, 4/02 Electoral Precinct Number of voters on the voters' list – 1663 Number of voters participating in the voting – 756 An observer was present starting from 07:00 to 22:30-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. The process of voting at the electoral precinct generally was quiet and organized. 2. There were observed the observer's and proxy's identification badges without names. City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
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The excerpt from final protocol was not provided to the observer of Helsinki Committee of Armenia. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 231 “Armenian National Congress” – 103 “Armenian Republican Party” – 337
Report of Local Observers
May 31, 2009
Arabkir, 4/03 Electoral Precinct
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Number of voters on the voters' list – 1801 Number of voters participating in the voting – 954 An observer was present starting from 07:00 to 22:20-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. The process of voting at the electoral precinct generally was quiet and organized. 2. At the beginning of the voting, there was an attempt to hinder the right of free movement of the observer; however after the observer showed the provisions spelled out in the Article 30 of the RA Electoral Code (particularly, paragraph 1, sub-paragraph 4) to the Chairman of the Commission, no more attempts were made to restrict the rights of the observer. 3. Cases of open voting were recorded, particularly ballots were put in the voting envelop only after approaching the ballot box. The observer has invited the attention of the Chairman of the Commission at such violations, however similar violations have been observed and recorded during the whole elections day. Some observers have folded the voting envelop and only then casted it in the ballot box.
City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
4. Unlike the Commission members, the proxies of the Armenian Republican Party and Prosperous Armenia Party were bringing their electorate to the electoral precincts through phone calls. Through this method, the proxies took control over the whole process of voting and before the end of the elections they already knew the number of voters/persons voting for their parties. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Melania Tsatinyan, the Commission Chairman and Lusine Sargsyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was not readable on the excerpt. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 182 “Armenian National Congress” – 182 “Armenian Republican Party” – 484
Arabkir, 4/04 Electoral Precinct Number of voters on the voters' list – 1713 Number of voters participating in the voting – 906 An observer was present starting from 07:00 to 23:20-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. The process of voting at the electoral precinct generally was quiet and organized. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Hovhannes Karapetyan, the Commission Chairman and Angela Vardanyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was not readable on the excerpt.
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According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 111 “Armenian National Congress” – 232 “Armenian Republican Party” – 423
Report of Local Observers
May 31, 2009
Arabkir, 4/05 Electoral Precinct
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Number of voters on the voters' list – 1804 Number of voters participating in the voting – 922 An observer was present starting from 06:55 to 23:50-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. The process of voting at the electoral precinct generally was quiet and organized. 2. The vote calculation process started with the dispute between the representatives/proxies of the Armenian Republican Party and Prosperous Armenia Party on considering two ballots as invalid. The Commission Chairman invited representatives form District Electoral Commission. 2 representatives came to the precinct at 22:30, only after that the calculation of votes resumed. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Lilia Tevosyan, the Commission Chairman and Armen Avagyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0311. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows:
City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
“Prosperous Armenia” Party – 208 “Armenian National Congress” – 207 “Armenian Republican Party” – 397
Arabkir, 4/06 Electoral Precinct Number of voters on the voters' list – 1964 Number of voters participating in the voting – 1078 An observer was present starting from 11:00 to 24:00-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. The process of voting at the electoral precinct generally was quiet and organized, however sometimes observers and proxies disputed and accused each other in bringing people in groups to the electoral precinct and making them vote for this or another party. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Arsen Movsisyan, the Commission Chairman and Goharik Antonyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0218. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 129 “Armenian National Congress” – 245 “Armenian Republican Party” – 563
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Report of Local Observers
May 31, 2009
Arabkir, 4/07 Electoral Precinct
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Number of voters on the voters' list – 2008 Number of voters participating in the voting – 974 An observer was present starting from 06:55 to 23:45-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. One of the voters signed twice by justifying that he had signed by mistake for his brother. The observer informed the Commission Chairman but the Chairman said that he knew that voter. 2. Per 3 proxies were present at the electoral precinct representing ARP and PAP. The Chairman asked them to leave the precinct. Situation has not been changed even after that action. 3. An unauthorized person was present in the electoral district and introducing himself as an observer, was bringing and directing people. 4. The representatives of ARP and PAP proxies brought voters by care and directed them. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Henrik Yazichyan, the Commission Chairman and Sona Yeghoyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 1208. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 233 “Armenian National Congress” – 207 “Armenian Republican Party” – 409
City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
Arabkir, 4/08 Electoral Precinct Number of voters on the voters' list – 2018 Number of voters participating in the voting – 967 An observer was present starting from 06:44 to 23:48-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. The process of voting at the electoral precinct generally was quiet. 2. From time to time (at 13:00, 13:32, 13:48) accumulation of people in the electoral precinct was observed. Through mediation of one of the observers and intervention of the Commission Chairman, the police took the people out of the precinct and the number of voters in the electoral precinct corresponded then to the law. 3. There was campaigning outside the electoral precinct and people where directed to tick next to the #1 or #6 parties on the ballot. 4. At 16:10, the Commission Chairman prepared excerpt from the first list going out of the precinct showed it to the representatives of ARP. The ANC proxy saw that and started disputing with the Commission Chairman. 5. As of 17:57, 803 voters were recorded, and as of 18:22, the number of recorded voters was 849. 6. One of the residents asked to the observer of the “It's Your Choice” which party to select. The observer answered - #6 after which dispute started between the “It's Your Choice” observer and an observer representing another organization. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Rima Bakhshinyan, the Commission Chairman and Satenik Zakaryan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 1087. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows:
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“Prosperous Armenia” Party – 144 “Armenian National Congress” – 218 “Armenian Republican Party” – 457
Report of Local Observers
May 31, 2009
Arabkir, 4/09 Electoral Precinct
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Number of voters on the voters' list – 1906 Number of voters participating in the voting – 837 An observer was present starting from 06:47 to 24:00-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. Accumulation of people in the electoral precinct was recorded. 2. 2 family members were at the electoral booth at the same time and voted together which is violation of the secret ballot principle. 3. Cases of open voting, voting for another person were recorded. 4. Around 17:20 a patrol service appeared next to the electoral precinct with couple of policemen, but according to the observer there were few voters in the electoral precinct and nothing extraordinary happened. The lasting presence of the patrol service policemen near the electoral precinct was not understandable for all. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Venera Stepanyan, the Commission Chairman and Ester Amirkhanyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 1896. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows:
City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
“Prosperous Armenia” Party – 155 “Armenian National Congress” – 224 “Armenian Republican Party” – 336
Arabkir, 4/10 Electoral Precinct Number of voters on the voters' list – 1958 Number of voters participating in the voting – 858 An observer was present starting from 07:00 to 02:30 (June 1)-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. The person entering the voting room already has a voting envelop and a ballot in his hands. 2. A voter recorded his name and the left the precinct without voting. 3. During the ballot calculation, the observer recorded the fact of existence of empty voting envelop, as a consequence the missing ballot was considered as invalid. 4. Same people who represented ARP and PAP escorted elderly and disabled to the electoral precinct. Mainly two cars were used to take elderly to vote (green “Zhiguli” 61??248 and grey “Zhiguli” 700LO64 state numbers). 5. PAP representatives inside and outside electoral precinct had organized team game, they were clarifying details through phone calls, were taking excepts from the voter's register all the time and were organizing discussions right in the electoral precinct. The number PAP representatives in the electoral precinct always were dominating. Also, it was difficult to come up with the correct number PAP representatives, since part of them acted as observers for other organizations. 6. One of the voters announced that he came to the elections since he was promised that the electricity
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problem of his house will be solved. In response, the ARP representative told that if the electrician did not address the problem that day or the next day, he would come personally, climb the electric column and make repairs. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Hasmik Khachatryan, the Commission Chairman and Margarit Hovhannisyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0680. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows:
Arabkir, 4/11 Electoral Precinct
Report of Local Observers
May 31, 2009
“Prosperous Armenia” Party – 134 “Armenian National Congress” – 203 “Armenian Republican Party” – 413
Number of voters on the voters' list – 1698 Number of voters participating in the voting – 758 An observer was present starting from 11:00 to 19:00, later, at 20:50, another observer from Helsinki Committee of Armenia arrived and participated in the process of vote calculation, preparation and signing of the final protocol, which took place at 23:15. 1. Cases of group voting were recorded. 2. There was an attempt to vote by the copy of passport, which was prevented by the Commission members, but the voter was very surprised since in previous elections he voted by the copy of the passport.
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City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
3. Outside the electoral precinct two young people with a list in their hands were making notes, entering the electoral precinct from time to time and signing in their lists. 4. A voted ballot was identified in one of the electoral booths. The ballot was considered as invalid and was torn down. 5. The Electoral Commission Secretary often approached the electoral booths. 6. One of the observers was sitting between the Commission members for a long time. Voters approached and showed their passports to him and he checked passports. The Commission members silently followed this process and did not interfere. 7. In general, the Commission Chairman took into account the remarks made and took corresponding steps to ensure normal conduction of elections. 8. During the vote calculation, the ARP representative pronounced uncensored words at the address of the others, particularly at the address of ANC representatives. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Karine Papyan, the Commission Chairman and Arthur Gasparyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0687. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 219 “Armenian National Congress” – 196 “Armenian Republican Party” – 217
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Arabkir, 4/12 Electoral Precinct
“Prosperous Armenia” Party – 148 “Armenian National Congress” – 200 “Armenian Republican Party” – 192
Report of Local Observers
May 31, 2009
Number of voters on the voters' list – 1618 Number of voters participating in the voting – 642 An observer was present starting from 07:46 to 22:27-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. There were irregularities in the voters list: names of some voters were missing. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Lenik Grigoryan, the Commission Chairman and Gohar Karapetyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0132. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows:
Number of voters on the voters' list – 1658 Number of voters participating in the voting – 737 An observer was present starting from 06:40 to 23:50 - preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. The process of voting at the electoral precinct generally was quiet and organized.
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City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
Arabkir, 4/13 Electoral Precinct
2. Cases of group voting as well as presence of policemen in the electoral precinct was observed, however they did not intervene the voting process. 3. During the ballot calculation, there was a dispute between the representative of ANC and Commission members over considering four ANC votes as invalid. To address the disputed issue, a representative from District Electoral Commission was invited. The observer was not provided with the excerpt from the final protocol with justification that the Commission did not have enough copies of protocol forms to provide observers. The observer recorded figures announced during the ballot calculation. Recorded figures match with those of officially announced by CEC. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 136 “Armenian National Congress” – 184 “Armenian Republican Party” – 252
Arabkir, 4/14 Electoral Precinct Number of voters on the voters' list – 1780 Number of voters participating in the voting – 688 An observer was present starting from 06:45 to 23:15-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. One of the voters entered the electoral precinct, was registered but did not vote and went out. Later he came again, registered anew and voted.
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The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by A. Nazloyan, the Commission Chairman and P. Hovhannisyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0763. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 147 “Armenian National Congress” – 220 “Armenian Republican Party” – 240
Report of Local Observers
May 31, 2009
Arabkir, 4/15 Electoral Precinct
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Number of voters on the voters' list – 1989 Number of voters participating in the voting – 871 An observer was present starting from 07:00 to 22:20-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. Voters were taken to the electoral precinct by car. On of the observers proposed voters to take them home by the car with state numbers 99LO505. The person acting as an observer (the Helsinki Committee observer failed to find out which organization that person presented. He just introduced himself as Armen) obviously collaborated with ARP, often clarified data with the Commission Chairman and announced that the voters will soon increase in a the certain number. 2. The Commission member responsible for registering voters, did not check the identity of the voter. 3. There was accumulation of voters, often voters came to the precinct with groups.
City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
4. One of the observers instructed through a phone call when and how many voters should be taken to the electoral precinct. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Artsruni Hayrapetyan, the Commission Chairman and Lora Ghukasyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 1301. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 134 “Armenian National Congress” – 211 “Armenian Republican Party” – 411
Arabkir, 4/16 Electoral Precinct Number of voters on the voters' list – 1934 Number of voters participating in the voting – 845 An observer was present starting from 06:50 to 23:55-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. The responsible Commission member did not check the passport of the person, and as consequence, one of the voters who was not registered in the list of a given precinct voted, however it was found out before casting the ballot in the ballot box. 2. Two of votes out of 26 which were considered as invalid, later were considered as valid based on the decision of the Commission Chairman. The other members of the Commission were against. Actually, those 2 votes were ticked by using the sign “X.”
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The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Lorella Avagyan, the Commission Chairman and Armine Simonyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0225. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows:
Report of Local Observers
May 31, 2009
“Prosperous Armenia” Party – 85 “Armenian National Congress” – 253 “Armenian Republican Party” – 370
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Arabkir, 4/17 Electoral Precinct Number of voters on the voters' list – 1917 Number of voters participating in the voting – 795 An observer was present starting from 06:55 to 23:05-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. The atmosphere in the electoral precinct was calm, no violation was recorded. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by E. Ghazaryan, the Commission Chairman and M. Naghdalyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0913. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows:
City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
“Prosperous Armenia” Party – 170 “Armenian National Congress” – 210 “Armenian Republican Party” – 237
Arabkir, 4/18 Electoral Precinct Number of voters on the voters' list – 1560 Number of voters participating in the voting – 656 An observer was present starting from 06:45 to 23:00-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. The proxy of the Rule of Law party hinted all the time the voters the number of its party on the ballot and encouraged the voters to vote for RLP. 2. The impression of the observer was that same persons acted both as observers and as proxies. Generally, it was difficult to distinguish proxies from observers, since the latter often presented interests of certain political party. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Lyova Danielyan, the Commission Chairman and Nelli Aharonyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 1533. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 92 “Armenian National Congress” – 163 “Armenian Republican Party” – 276
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Number of voters on the voters' list – 1728 Number of voters participating in the voting – 722 An observer was present starting from 06:50 to 24:00-preparation and signing of the final protocol . 1. The voting process in the electoral precinct generally was calm and organized. 2. There were cases of group voting, when 3-4 persons at the same time were in one electoral booth. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Evelina Khachatryan, the Commission Chairman and Anahit Harutyunyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 1797. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 102 “Armenian National Congress” – 177 “Armenian Republican Party” – 340
Report of Local Observers
May 31, 2009
Arabkir, 4/19 Electoral Precinct
Number of voters on the voters' list – 1575 Number of voters participating in the voting – 709 (according to the final protocol of the Precinct electoral Commission and the observers records) and 699 according to the CEC
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City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
Arabkir, 4/20 Electoral Precinct
An observer was present starting from 06:48 to 23:26-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. The voting process in the electoral precinct generally was calm and organized. 2. 2 proxies from the “Prosperous Armenia” Party were permanently present at the electoral precinct. 3. Policemen often went inside and outside and were controlling something. 4. The representatives of “Prosperous Armenia” Party and “Armenian Republican” Party from time to time were escorted by their cars elderly to the electoral precincts, dropped them in 10-15 meter distance from the electoral precinct and clarified after the voting whom they voted for. 5. Before voting there was an ink sign on the ballot of one of the voters. The attention of the Commission was called to this violation. The ballot was considered as invalid and a new ballot was provided for the voter. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by A. Margaryan, the Commission Chairman and N. Arsenyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0777. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 116 “Armenian National Congress” – 184 (174 according to the CEC) “Armenian Republican Party” – 340
Arabkir, 4/21 Electoral Precinct Number of voters on the voters' list – 1535 Number of voters participating in the voting – 706
City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
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May 31, 2009 Report of Local Observers
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An observer was present starting from 06:38 to 23:25-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. There was a dispute between the Commission Chairman and Deputy Chairman connected with the arrangement of tables and electoral booths. The registration and ballot distribution tables had been arranged in uncomfortable location- behind the columns – and when there were a few voters next to them, it was impossible to follow the work of the Commission members. 2. Presence of unauthorized persons in the electoral precinct was recorded. 3. There was a conflict between the Commission member and ANC representative connected with calling the US Ambassador. 4. The Commission Chairman asked voters: “Do you know whom to vote for?” 5. ARP members, who were following the voters coming in and out of the electoral precinct, were directing them all the time. 6. Cases of group voting were registered; the electoral principle of secret ballot has been violated. 7. There was a room inside the electoral precinct where policemen went in and out all the time. 8. A person, who introduced himself as Spartak Abrahamyan, showed up to electoral precinct and tried to enter the Commission's room for meetings. He was taken out of the room, however later this person registered as a proxy of the Republican Party and was moving all the time inside and outside, made calls somewhere and brought voters to the electoral precinct. There was one more proxy representing ARP in the electoral precinct but his actions were passive. 9. The aforementioned persons were present also during the ballot calculation process, and to the question of the Helsinki Committee of Armenia observer, why 2 proxies from ARP participate in ballot calculation, the Commission Chairman stated that Spartak Abrahamyan was an observer representing “Nor Nork Community Development Center” NGO. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Taguhi Vorskanyan, the Commission Chairman and Ruzanna Khachatryan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0664. City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 109 “Armenian National Congress” – 139 “Armenian Republican Party” – 355
Arabkir, 4/22 Electoral Precinct Number of voters on the voters' list – 1942 Number of voters participating in the voting – 793 An observer was present starting from 07:09 to 23:03-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. An overt campaigning was run in the electoral precinct. 2. ANC proxy impede the work of the Commission. 3. There was an attempt to vote with the copy of passport. 4. Presence of policemen in the electoral precinct was recorded. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Ruben Stamboltsyan, the Commission Chairman and Svetlana Evoyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0678. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows:
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“Prosperous Armenia” Party – 140 “Armenian National Congress” – 242 “Armenian Republican Party” – 331
Report of Local Observers
May 31, 2009
Arabkir, 4/23 Electoral Precinct
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Number of voters on the voters' list – 1751 Number of voters participating in the voting – 829 An observer was present starting from 06:55 to 00:33 (1st of June)-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. The voting process in the electoral precinct generally was calm and organized. All activities of the Commission members were recorded in detail by the observer. The Commission members acted in accordance with the RA Electoral Code. 2. Cases of group voting were recorded. 3. At 15:13 the proxy of ANC raised a big noise in the electoral precinct and tried to hinder the activities of the Commission. The Commission members reacted calmly and did not prepare any protocol. 4. Cases of group voting were recorded. Many voters approached the electoral booths with their minor children. 5. One of the voters entering the electoral precinct carried a weapon. After the remark of the Commission Chairman, he left the precinct. 6. A policeman was permanently present in the electoral precinct. At 21:57, he entered the voting room and asked whether the half of ballots were calculated. The policeman stayed at the precinct for a long time. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by M. Arakelyan the Commission Chairman and K. Mkrtchyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0531.
City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 142 “Armenian National Congress” – 266 “Armenian Republican Party” – 279
Arabkir, 4/24 Electoral Precinct Number of voters on the voters' list – 1800 Number of voters participating in the voting – 935 An observer was present starting from 07:27 to 00:20 (1st of June)-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. Directed voting, voting by an unauthorized person was recorded. 2. There were cases of double voting, which was identified by one of the Commission members. 3. There was a dispute between the Commission Chairman and an observer: the observer tried to find out the number of voters who participated in voting, there was a case when the observer wanted to look through the passport of the voter and the Commission member did not allow doing so. 4. The Commission member representing the “Heritage” party complained that some people were voting for the second time; however, he could not prove that, because it was happening when ARP representative was sitting at the registration table. 5. Cases of open voting, group voting, voting with the passport belonging to another person were recorded. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Lernik Nalbandyan, the
City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
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Commission Chairman and Ani Chakaryan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0525 According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 121 “Armenian National Congress” – 232 “Armenian Republican Party” – 460
Report of Local Observers
May 31, 2009
Arabkir, 4/25 Electoral Precinct
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Number of voters on the voters' list – 1919 Number of voters participating in the voting – 812 An observer was present starting from 07:00 to 23:38-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. An obvious campaigning was carried out in the electoral precinct. 2. Accumulation of voters, presence of unauthorized Directed voting, voting by an unauthorized person was recorded. 3. 3 representatives from PAP, who clarified the identity of voters, participated in elections based on their own lists. It was difficult to find out whether the representatives of PAP were proxies or observers acting on behalf of another NGO. Many proxies and observers did not have ID badges. 4. Police officers were moving inside and outside the electoral precinct. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Hasmik Antonyan, the
City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
Commission Chairperson and Karine Harutyunyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 1913. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 139 “Armenian National Congress” – 280 “Armenian Republican Party” – 299
Arabkir, 4/26 Electoral Precinct Number of voters on the voters' list – 1955 Number of voters participating in the voting – 740 An observer was present starting from 06:20 to 23:30-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. The voter identified a sign on his voting envelop and asked for a new one. 2. Another voter marked the voting envelop and cast it in the ballot box. Before that, the Commission member told that it can be considered invalid, but the voter immediately cast the ballot into the ballot box. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Armine Nabinyan, the Commission Chairman and Ani Minasyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0653. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows:
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“Prosperous Armenia” Party – 131 “Armenian National Congress” – 293 “Armenian Republican Party” – 221
Number of voters on the voters' list – 1798 Number of voters participating in the voting – 789 An observer was present starting from 07:07 to 01:35 (1st of June)-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. The voting process in the electoral precinct was calm and organized in general; the Commission Chairman controlled the situation. 2. The ANC pre-election campaign headquarters was located next to the electoral precinct and was partitioned by glass doors from the electoral precinct. Although, there was Venetian blind on the walls, however there was an attempt to take control over the voting process from ANC headquarters. The Commission Chairman called “red berets” to the precinct, who tried to close the doors between the ANC headquarters and electoral precinct, but in vain. 3. Some cases of open voting were recorded: one of the voters announced loudly that he had voted for # 6 and only then put the ballot in the voting envelop and cast it in the ballot box. The Commission members gave no reaction to the case of open voting. 4. One of the voters identified the name of his passed-away relative on the voters' list and applied to the Chairman by requiring to remove the name. In response, the Chairman answered that she did not have the right to remove names. 5. ANC representative tried to act as a reporter by the end of the day.
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City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
May 31, 2009 Report of Local Observers
Arabkir, 4/27 Electoral Precinct
6. One of the Commission members was cutting the ballot from the coupon beforehand and arranging them one on another. The observer called the attention of the Chairman on that circumstance after which everything was in accordance with the law. 7. A police officer was present in the voting room during the vote calculation. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by R. Khachatryan, the Commission Chairman and A. Soghomonyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 1805. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 132 “Armenian National Congress” – 201 “Armenian Republican Party” – 333
Arabkir, 4/28 Electoral Precinct Number of voters on the voters' list – 1728 Number of voters participating in the voting – 728 An observer was present starting from 06:55 to 22:57-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. The voting process in the electoral precinct generally was calm and organized. 2. Two observers of the same organization were present at the same time in the electoral precinct. 3. Several police officers were permanently present in the electoral precinct.
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Report of Local Observers
May 31, 2009
4. Cases of open voting were recorded. 5. Accumulation of large number of voters was observed from time to time, particularly, at 11:56. 6. Two ballots were provided at same time to a voter by the Commission member, however one of the proxies identified and prevented it. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Vachagan Yenokyan, the Commission Chairman and Khachatur Bahrikyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0313. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows:
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“Prosperous Armenia” Party – 121 “Armenian National Congress” – 232 “Armenian Republican Party” – 262
Arabkir, 4/29 Electoral Precinct Number of voters on the voters' list – 1222 Number of voters participating in the voting – 615 An observer was present starting from 06:48 to 22:25-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. The voting process in the electoral precinct generally was calm and organized. 2. Cases of group voting were registered. 3. One old person tried to vote with the copy of the passport; however, the members of the Commission
City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
discussed the case, applied to the CEC for commentary, and rejected the request of the citizen to vote using the copy of the passport. 4. One of the voters disputed with the Commission members, because his name was missing on the voters' list. 5. For several times voters cast voting envelopes in the ballot box without stamping, because the person who was responsible for ballot box sometimes was not available. Voters were taking advantage of such situation and cast the ballots without stamping. The Commission members were witnessing the situation by no step was undertaken to prevent it. 6. Some elderly came to the electoral precinct accompanied by a youngster, who was taking them to the electoral precinct by car and was taking them back after the voting. This fact was observed and recorded by an observer from another organization. 7. At 13:15, the stamp of the Precinct Electoral Commission got dry and characters on was not readable on the paper anymore. The Commission members were discussing how to address the problem. 8. After the voting the atmosphere was friendly and relations were very warm, everybody helped each other when there was a need, did whatever they could do and this situation left impression kind of being unorganized. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Gohar Mkrtchyan, the Commission Chairperson and Radik Manukyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was not readable. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 163 “Armenian National Congress” – 145 “Armenian Republican Party” – 225
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Arabkir, 4/30 Electoral Precinct
“Prosperous Armenia” Party – 104 “Armenian National Congress” – 223 “Armenian Republican Party” – 236
Report of Local Observers
May 31, 2009
Number of voters on the voters' list – 1470 Number of voters participating in the voting – 641 An observer was present starting from 06:46 to 22:58-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. The voting process in the electoral precinct generally was calm and organized, no violation was observed by the observer. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Suren Sargsyan, the Commission Chairman and Jemma Panosyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was not readable. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows:
Number of voters on the voters' list – 1644 Number of voters participating in the voting – 738 An observer was present starting from 06:35 to 00:20 (1st of June)-preparation and signing of the final protocol.
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City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
Arabkir, 4/31 Electoral Precinct
1. Presence of police officers and voters' accumulation was recorded in the electoral precinct. 2. Ballots were separated from the coupons beforehand (earlier) were arranged on each other. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Tatevik Musheghyan, the Commission Chairperson and Ashot Virabyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0253. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 292 “Armenian National Congress” – 190 “Armenian Republican Party” – 172
Arabkir, 4/32 Electoral Precinct Number of voters on the voters' list – 1917 Number of voters participating in the voting – 843 An observer was present starting from 07:00 until the preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. The Commission member who was responsible for ballot box and for stamping voting envelopes was not in the electoral precinct from time to time and nobody was replacing him. 2. Cases of presence of police officers and voting by using the passport copy were registered. 3. The ballots were parted from the coupons beforehand. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Andranik Petrossian, the
City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
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Commission Chairman and Narine Khanamiryan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0536. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 104 “Armenian National Congress” – 233 “Armenian Republican Party” – 354
Number of voters on the voters' list – 1955 Number of voters participating in the voting – 833 An observer was present starting from 06:45 to 23:54 - preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. In general, the voting process was under control. 2. Accumulation of voters was recorded around 10:30, which has continued for a long period of time. 3. The ARP proxy was very active. From his conversation, the observer was informed that the wife and children of the proxy were organizing and directing voters' movement from outside the electoral precinct. ARP proxy made notes in his list. 4. The stamp on the voting envelop was not readable. 5. Unauthorized people entered the electoral precinct along with some proxies and stayed there for a long time. 6. Very often the small hole on the ballot box for casting ballots was open and stayed open for a long time after the voting.
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City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
May 31, 2009 Report of Local Observers
Arabkir, 5/18 Electoral Precinct
7. The presence of police officers in the electoral precinct was recorded. 8. At 13:05, the Commission members and the Chairman went for lunch and only 2 Commission members were left in the voting room. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Vachik Aramyan, the Commission Chairman and Manush Avetisyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0213. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 176 “Armenian National Congress” – 210 “Armenian Republican Party” – 269
Arabkir, 5/20 Electoral Precinct Number of voters on the voters' list – 1947 Number of voters participating in the voting – 848 An observer was present starting from 07:40 to 23:08 - preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. No violation was observed in the electoral precinct. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Gayane Tigranyan, the Commission Chairperson and Lusine Gdikyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 1702.
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According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 213 “Armenian National Congress” – 219 “Armenian Republican Party” – 269
Report of Local Observers
May 31, 2009
Arabkir, 5/21 Electoral Precinct
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Number of voters on the voters' list – 1925 Number of voters participating in the voting – 771 An observer was present starting from 07:05 until the preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. Elections were conducted in calm and organized atmosphere, no violation was observed in the electoral precinct. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Alvard Navasardyan, the Commission Chairperson and Anahit Torosyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0063. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 122 “Armenian National Congress” – 232 “Armenian Republican Party” – 309
City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
Arabkir, 5/22 Electoral Precinct Number of voters on the voters' list – 1863 Number of voters participating in the voting – 877 An observer was present starting from 07:45 to 02:15 (1st of June) -preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. Cases of group and open voting were recorded in the electoral precinct. 2. Two voters voted by presenting copy of a passport and the social security card. 3. There were voters whose names were not found in the voters' list. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Marine Amiryan, the Commission Chairperson and Mariamik Toumasyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0342. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 69 “Armenian National Congress” – 240 “Armenian Republican Party” – 393
Arabkir, 5/23 Electoral Precinct Number of voters on the voters' list – 1882 Number of voters participating in the voting – 754 An observer was present starting from 06:50 to 23:45- preparation and signing of the final protocol.
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1. In general, voting was calm and organized. 2. The same voter tried to vote for the second time but one of the Commission members prevented it. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Isabella Ayvazyan, the Commission Chairperson and Arevik Khachatryan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0340. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows:
Report of Local Observers
May 31, 2009
“Prosperous Armenia” Party – 97 “Armenian National Congress” – 213 “Armenian Republican Party” – 328
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Arabkir, 5/24 Electoral Precinct Number of voters on the voters' list – 1760 Number of voters participating in the voting – 666 An observer was present starting from 07:50 to 22:42- preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. In general, voting was calm and organized. 2. There were irregularities on the voters' list for that reason voters could not vote. For instance, in the passports of some residents of Kassyan Street was mentioned “Siamanto.” The observer has only recorded this fact. 3. It was figured out the former residents of Gyulpenkyan 31 address remained registered in that address. 4. By 12:00, two proxies fro ARF Party were present in the electoral precinct. 5. The observer of “It's Your Choice” NGO helped people in need to vote twice.
City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
6. Ballots were parted from coupons beforehand and arranged one on another before approaching of voters. 7. There were cases when elderly were discussing the issue on voting # 1 on the ballot/ The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Babik Babayan, the Commission Chairman and Svetlana Harutyunyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0421. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party –140 “Armenian National Congress” – 201 “Armenian Republican Party” – 252
Arabkir, 5/26 Electoral Precinct Number of voters on the voters' list – 2013 Number of voters participating in the voting – 919 An observer was present starting from 06:40 to 23:30- preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. In general, voting was calm and organized. 2. The number of unused envelopes should have been 1146, but there were 1147 envelops. This fact was recorded also in administrative register. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by L.V. Petrosyan, the Commission Chairman and A.F. Nersisyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 1774.
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According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 138 “Armenian National Congress” – 294 “Armenian Republican Party” – 340
Report of Local Observers
May 31, 2009
Arabkir, 5/27 Electoral Precinct
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Number of voters on the voters' list – 1920 Number of voters participating in the voting – 781 An observer was present starting from 06:50 to 23:05- preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. Voter accumulation in the electoral precincts was recorded. 2. An unauthorized person went through the Commission Chairman's documents laid down on the table of the electoral precinct. 3. Mainly unauthorized persons were present in the electoral precinct and intervened the activities of the voters while casting the ballots into the ballot box. 4. One of the observers assisted the voters to vote for several times and directed them by loudly indicating to vote for #1. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Babken Martirosyan, the Commission Chairman and Elsza Kotoyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 1222. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows:
City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
“Prosperous Armenia” Party – 122 “Armenian National Congress” – 231 “Armenian Republican Party” – 259
Arabkir, 5/28 Electoral Precinct Number of voters on the voters' list – 1987 Number of voters participating in the voting – 777 An observer was present starting from 06:45 to 22:55- preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. Campaigning was in place in the electoral precinct. 2. Cases of group, directed voting, voting with social security cards and copies of passports, as well as cases of unauthorized persons' presence at the electoral precinct were recorded. 3. Electoral booths were located very close to the voters' registration table. 4. Proxies of ARP and ANC took voters to the electoral precinct. Voters of ARP stated after voting that they completed their duty. 5. People in groups were taken by cars to the electoral precinct. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Harutyun Hovhannisyan, the Commission Chairman and Lusine Aslanyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0103. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 142 “Armenian National Congress” – 246 City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
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“Armenian Republican Party” – 306
Number of voters on the voters' list – 1854 Number of voters participating in the voting – 821 An observer was present starting from 06:45 to 23:30-preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. Cases of unauthorized persons' presence at the electoral precinct were recorded. The member of ARP introduced himself as an observer, but did not have observer's ID, which was the reason of his dispute with ANC proxy. 2. Although police was not permanently present in the electoral precinct, the police officers entered the precinct from time to time, figured out the number of voters and informed certain persons by phone. 3. There was a dispute between a proxy and a journalist. 4. Members of the Commission periodically approached to the observer of the Helsinki Committee and asked for which organization the latter was working. The observer showed his ID instead of responding. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Karen Khachatryan, the Commission Chairman and Samvel Antashyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0098. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows:
Report of Local Observers
May 31, 2009
Arabkir, 5/29 Electoral Precinct
“Prosperous Armenia” Party – 104 “Armenian National Congress” – 224 “Armenian Republican Party” – 366
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City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
Arabkir, 5/30 Electoral Precinct Number of voters on the voters' list – 1819 Number of voters participating in the voting – 737 An observer was present starting from 07:50 to 23:15- preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. Generally, the voting process was calm and organized. 2. One of the voters stayed in the electoral precinct after voting and started campaigning. After intervention of the Commission Chairman, the voter left electoral precinct. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Norik Qeshishyan, the Commission Chairman and Lusine Grigoryan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 1700. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 105 “Armenian National Congress” – 244 “Armenian Republican Party” – 272
Arabkir, 5/31 Electoral Precinct Number of voters on the voters' list – 1727 Number of voters participating in the voting – 731 An observer was present starting from 06:50 to 23:30- preparation and signing of the final protocol.
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Report of Local Observers
May 31, 2009
1. Generally, the voting process was calm and organized. 2. Some observers were sitting next to the ballot box for a long time, kept the hole for casting the ballot open for long period of time and permitted voters to cast ballots in the ballot box. 3. During the vote calculation a voting envelop without a ballot in it was identified. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Manvel Petrosyan, the Commission Chairman and Karine Durgaryan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0602. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows:
50
“Prosperous Armenia” Party – 105 “Armenian National Congress” – 244 “Armenian Republican Party” – 272
Arabkir, 5/32 Electoral Precinct Number of voters on the voters' list – 1898 Number of voters participating in the voting – 768 An observer was present starting from 06:48 to 23:50- preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. Generally, the voting process was calm and organized. 2. Police officers entered the room and left sometimes. The reasons were not identified. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Samvel Abrahamyan, the Commission Chairman and Zepyur Abrahamyan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 1979. City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 83 “Armenian National Congress” – 222 “Armenian Republican Party” – 338.
Arabkir, 5/33 Electoral Precinct Number of voters on the voters' list – 1872 Number of voters participating in the voting – 828 An observer was present starting from 06:45 to 23:55- preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. Generally, voting process was calm and organized. 2. One of the voters attempted to vote for the second time and this was prevented. 3. An observer made notes in his cell phone. The Commission Chairman impeded by saying that the observer was taking photos. A dispute started which was solved after the intervention of a police officer. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Zohrab Gevorgyan, the Commission Chairman and Anna Grigoryan, the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0178. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows:
City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
51
“Prosperous Armenia” Party – 140 “Armenian National Congress” – 213 “Armenian Republican Party” – 373.
Report of Local Observers
May 31, 2009
Arabkir, 5/34 Electoral Precinct
52
Number of voters on the voters' list – 1966 Number of voters participating in the voting – 775 An observer was present starting from 07:35 to 23:50- preparation and signing of the final protocol. 1. Before the voting started, presence of unauthorized persons was recorded. 2. The presence of police officer in the electoral precinct was recorded. 3. A person had both observer's and proxy's IDs. The observer was provided with the excerpt from the final protocol signed and stamped by Nane Aslanyan, the Commission Chairperson and Rosa Kirakosyan the Commission Secretary. The stamp number of the electoral precinct was 0414. According to the excerpt from the final protocol, the number of ballots being voted FOR each party and party block (which overcame 7 and 9 percent specified by the law) are as follows: “Prosperous Armenia” Party – 242 “Armenian National Congress” – 219 “Armenian Republican Party” – 216.
City Council Elecyions of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA Report
City Council Elections of Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
CITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS OF YEREVAN
May 31, 2009
May 31
REPORT ON LOCAL O B S E R V E R S Helsinki Committee of Armenia г۳ëï³ÝÇ Ð»ÉëÇÝÏÛ³Ý ÏáÙÇï»
Helsinki Committee of Armenia
Urban Foundation for Sustainable Development
2009