The OSCE/ODIHR submitted recommendations from the final report on  elections in Armenia

ArmInfo.The OSCE / ODIHR submitted recommendations from the final report on the past elections in Armenia.

The report's findings and recommendations were explored during  meetings and discussions with representatives of the National  Assembly, Central Election Commission, political parties, state  authorities, civil society and the international community. The ODIHR  team outlined potential areas for further co-operation and proposed  concrete steps that can be taken by various stakeholders to address  the recommendations.

The ODIHR team drew attention to priority recommendations aimed at  addressing persisting issues of vote-buying and abuse of state  resources with a view to strengthening public confidence in the  electoral process.

The report recommends, among other things, undertaking inclusive and  timely electoral reforms to address remaining gaps and ambiguities in  the law, including with regard to campaigning, campaign finance  regulations, the right to appeal and deadlines for filing complaints.  ODIHR noted that further efforts are needed to remove restrictions on  the suffrage rights of persons with disabilities and enhance their  access to voting procedures, to increase women's participation in  elections and enhance the effectiveness of election administration.

The majority of ODIHR interlocutors highlighted the need to address  the lack of public trust in the electoral process in Armenia and  called on the political establishment to demonstrate political will  against all forms of pressure on voters and publicly discourage the  buying and selling of votes.

"While acknowledging stakeholders' willingness to engage in a  meaningful process to implement the electoral recommendations, broad  and inclusive consultation is needed for a successful reform  process," said Donald Bisson, Deputy Head of the ODIHR election  observation mission, during the visit.

"ODIHR stands ready to offer its support in implementing the  recommendations, including through a review of amendments to  electoral legislation, advice on good practices and matters of  technical implementation," said Alexander Shlyk, Head of the ODIHR  Elections Department.

All OSCE participating States have committed themselves to promptly  follow up on ODIHR election assessments and recommendations.