OSCE to start monitoring elections on February 1
The EU and the OSCE will be allocating 1.7 million Euros to Armenia for free and fair parliamentary elections. They are also preparing to implement several joint programs for proper training of more than 2,000 local observers and members of electoral commissions. The organizations will also allocate sums to the police.
"In the past two to three years, we have noticed that the marches and demonstrations are held safely, and what contributed to that were the improvement of the adequate legislation and the police," acting Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan Karel Hofstran.
The OSCE will also allocate sums for better presentation of voters' rights.
Starting February 1, the OSCE will start monitoring the media providing coverage of pre-electoral processes.
"Some elements of the pre-electoral campaign are emerging before the 40-day electoral campaign, and in that sense, it is important to start monitoring the campaign before the official launch," said Karel Hofstran.
The EU and the OSCE attach importance to the role of the Ombudsman's Office in the pre-electoral period and will provide funding for the opening of another 6 Ombudsman's Offices in the provinces.
The EU has increased the amount of assistance by 10 times compared to the previous elections. Will the sum contribute to free and fair elections? The EU representatives aren't rushing to make predictions.
We add that the funding will be provided by the European Union and will be used by the OSCE Yerevan Office.
