Armenia's presidential election of Feb 18 2013 was generally well- administered and was characterised by a respect for fundamental freedoms, including those of assembly and expression, concluded the international election observation mission in a statement released on April 22, on sidelines of the PACE Spring Session.
The author of the report, Karin Woldseth (Norway), the Head of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) delegation, has qualified the election as "a test of democracy"
The report says that the "Election Day was calm and peaceful overall. The opening procedures were assessed positively in nearly all polling stations observed by IEOM observers. The voting process was orderly and well organised in most of the polling stations observed. While the voting process was assessed positively overall, it was assessed negatively in 5% of the cases, mainly as a result of undue interference in the election process as well as some, isolated, cases of serious violations." The report outlines inaccuracies in electoral registers, misuse of administrative resources, problems with
disappearing ink stamps in passports. "All this arouses concern among voters," she said. Karin Woldseth mentioned that the National Police and the Prosecutor General announced that they were investigating over 300 possible criminal and administrative offences. Criminal proceedings were initiated in around 10 cases, while most others were considered closed on the basis of the results of the preliminary investigation.
PACE regrets over the decision of the three main parties not to nominate candidates. Observers say these are negative trends that break the public trust in election process. Among positive points the report outlines free access of candidates to mass media, fee election campaign, impartial media coverage.
"Candidate registration was inclusive, contestants had the chance to campaign freely and voters had the opportunity to express their choice. Media fulfilled their legal obligation to provide balanced coverage and all contestants made use of their free airtime," the statement said.
"There have been clear improvements in the electoral process since the previous presidential elections, and we have noted progress in many areas, including the media environment and the legal framework," said Karin Woldseth, the Head of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) delegation.