The PACE observation delegation proposes providing for “repeat voting” in Armenia’s electoral code in cases where invalidating the results of a precinct endangers voters’ representation in parliament. It is also proposed to set clear thresholds and procedures for repeat voting.
Regarding the parliamentary elections held on 7 June, the PACE observation delegation proposes expanding the circle of those entitled to apply to court in electoral disputes, extending the deadlines for appeal and providing for more flexible means of correcting violations. The observers also call for strengthening the independence of the appointment of members of electoral commissions, eliminating gaps in the oversight of pre-election period and third-party financing, fully regulating the use of administrative resources and effectively punishing abuses.
The delegation calls for ensuring due process in electoral cases and reviewing law enforcement practices to bring them into line with European human rights standards.
The observers propose guaranteeing the right to peaceful assembly of all political forces, simplifying documentation requirements for displaced and vulnerable voters, and expediting citizenship and registration procedures.
The report notes that the main post-election dispute concerned the CEC’s invalidation of the results of precincts 10/51, 35/65 and 12/13. According to some calculations, if the turnout figures from those precincts had been taken into account, “Prosperous Armenia” could have overcome the 4 percent threshold for entering parliament and obtained mandates. The CEC argued that invalidating the results of those precincts had not affected the overall result, and decided not to order repeat voting. In the report that reasoning was assessed as insufficient, particularly given the impact of the decision.
