WALTER SCHWIMMER CALLS FOR FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS

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On the eve of parliamentary elections in Armenia, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Walter Schwimmer, appealed to the Armenian authorities and to members of electoral commissions at all levels, candidates, proxies and voters to do their utmost to ensure that the elections are held in accordance with Council of Europe standards.

"Elections must be free and fair. This is much more important than the number of parliamentary seats won or lost," said Mr Schwimmer. "I call upon all those who take part in the elections to use the time before polling day to reflect upon this fact."

The Secretary General reiterated his wish that the counting of the votes should be fully transparent and that the results should be promptly made public.

"Free and fair elections are at the heart of democracy," said Mr Schwimmer. "Failing to meet Council of Europe standards is not acceptable for a member state. Armenia owes this to its voters and also to the Organisation."
The elections in Armenia will be observed by a delegation from the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly.