OSCE/ODIHR presents recommendations from final report on 2015 constitutional referendum in Armenia
Elections experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) met with electoral stakeholders in Yerevan on 18 and 19 February 2016 to present recommendations from the final report on the 6 December 2015 constitutional referendum in Armenia.
The report’s findings and recommendations were presented to officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice and the Interior, the Central Election Commission, the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Presidential Administration and other representatives of the Government, as well as to representatives of parliamentary committees, all parliamentary factions, civil society and the international community.
"We welcome Armenia’s willingness to follow-up on our electoral recommendations in an inclusive and open manner," said Richard Lappin, ODIHR Senior Election Adviser. "ODIHR is ready to support this process, including through the review of draft or final amendments to electoral legislation."
Discussions focussed on ODIHR recommendations to build a broad consensus on legal amendments, improve the accuracy of voter registration, strengthen campaign finance regulations and review electoral dispute resolution procedures.
The experts also participated in a seminar co-organized by the OSCE Office in Yerevan and the Presidential Administration on the possible introduction of new voting technologies that included participation from political parties and civil society. The experts noted the importance of taking a gradual approach to introducing new technologies into the electoral process, as well as ensuring thorough testing and full transparency to build public confidence.
All OSCE participating States have committed themselves to promptly follow up on ODIHR election assessments and recommendations.