OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission - Armenia
Extraordinary Presidential Election, 16 March 1998 
HY-Business Suites, Hanrapetutyun 8
Yerevan, Armenia
Tel: +3742-151-832, +3742-585-243, Fax: +3742-151-833

Preliminary Statement by Sam Brown, Special Representative for the
Election
Observation Mission To the Armenian Extraordinary Presidential Election
16 March 1998

(18 March 1998) At the invitation of the Government of the Republic of
Armenia, on February 14 the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission
began to observe preparations for the election. During the pre-election
phase the mission met frequently with all candidates and provided
regular comment on and suggestions for improvement of the process. As
election day approached, OSCE/ODIHR deployed almost 200 international
observers to all parts of Armenia. The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly
deployed 12 parliamentarians form 12 from eight countries in conjunction
with this effort. Additionally, OSCE/ODIHR co-operated wit the Council
of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Delegation. 

OSCE observers visited over 800 polling stations on election day, more
than half the total of all polling stations in Armenia. Following the
close of the polls, they observed the counting of the votes. Observer
teams them followed the results through numerous Community Electoral
Commissions and all 11 Regional Electoral Commissions. 

The pre-election campaign, although marred by violence in Ararat on 8
March, proceeded relatively smoothly although not without problems. Th
greatly reduced electoral calendar had a negative impact on the
preparation of voting lists, the establishment of lower level election
commissions and the preparation of polling stations. 

Of the polling stations observed, most had diligent Precinct Electoral
Commission members seeking to implement the law properly and to fulfill
their duties. However, in approximately 15% of those precincts
significant violations of law or regulations were observed. These would
have called into question the validity of the election had there been a
close result.

We regret that his first round of the elections fell short of the
standards to which Armenia has committed itself in OSCE documents.

The key areas of concern which require correction before the second
round are:

· Voting process. This process proceeded well in most cases. However, in
a least three precincts, there is a clear evidence of ballot box
stuffing and there is substantial evidence of attempts to stuff ballot
boxes in several more precincts. These incidents will be detailed in the
final report.

· Military voting. Observers noted problems regarding the military
voting process, including directed voting by superior personnel,
officers in the polling place, problems with military voting lists, and
questions concerning voting by hospitalised military personnel.
Additionally, the level and speed of communication between the Ministry
of Defence and the Central Electoral Commission regarding mobile ballot
boxes for soldiers did not live up to earlier promises, thus hampering
the transparency of the process.

· Use of State resources. Early in the pre-election phase this was not a
problem, but it became one during the last days. There is no discernible
pattern of orchestrated events, and the over-zealousness of individual
supporters appears to be to blame. However, in the final analysis
candidates can and should be held responsible for the actions of their
supporters, and we anticipate such leadership during the next phase of
the election. Two particularly visible incidents included the
distribution of one candidate's campaign literature with customs forms
on incoming Armenian Airlines flight from Amsterdam and Moscow and the
distribution of kerosene out of a candidate's headquarters in Yerevan.

· Police and other unauthorized personnel in polling stations. The
Election Observation Mission has a deep concern over the presence of
unauthorized and frequently unidentified personnel, particularly
Ministry of Interior personnel, in polling stations. Despite definite
orders to ensure the minimal involvement in the polling stations, police
and ministry personnel were observed to be present and sometimes
actually involved in the vote count. Additionally, some observers cited
the unauthorised involvement of municipal officials, creating an
atmosphere of intimidation in polling stations. 


· Media bias. While an early review of the editorial coverage by State
media indicated a continuation of the 1996 practice of extreme media
bias, steps to correct this problem were taken. Despite efforts to treat
candidates fairly, statistical monitoring showed continuing imbalance.
State media gave disproportionate coverage to the incumbent candidate in
comparison to all other; in the case of certain private media, this was
also true for their favoured candidate. It is hoped that the trend
toward impartiality, coupled with greater depth of reporting on
substantive issues, will ensure that the electorate will be in a
position to make a more fully informed choice during the second round.

· Campaign violence. The disruption and violence at a campaign rally in
which eight people were injured, including two requiring
hospitalisation, was roundly condemned by the OSCE Election Observation
Mission. While the Ministry of Interior reacted quickly, arresting 4
people and sacking the police chief for "falling to keep public order",
a repetition of any such event would have a serious impact on our
assessment of the election.

The Government of Armenia and the Central Election Commission should
take immediate steps to address the problems outlined in this statement
prior to the second round. The March 17 by the Government is a welcome
first step in this process. Over the longer term we look forward to the
continuation of the critically important election reform process which
was deferred due to this election.