OSCE, EU enhance co-operation with Armenia on election administration

YEREVAN, 25 April 2012 – The Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, Ambassador Andrey Sorokin, and the Head of the Armenian Central Electoral Commission (CEC), Tigran Mukuchyan, signed a long-term co-operation agreement today on promoting efficient election administration, including through an EU-funded project on supporting democratic elections in Armenia, as well as other international election-related efforts. 

The agreement envisages the facilitation of technical, educational and informational support to the Armenian CEC for the forthcoming parliamentary elections in 2012 and the presidential election in 2013.

“While it is acknowledged that genuine electoral reform and the conduct of democratic elections depend primarily on the political will and resources of domestic players, the role of the international community with its collecting positive engagement is an important contribution to promoting democratic elections in line with internationally recognized standards,” said Sorokin.

The Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Traian Hristea noted the decisive role of the CEC in ensuring free and fair elections in Armenia.

Main areas of co-operation under the agreement signed today include the provision of technical equipment for the streamlined operation of the automated “Elections” system, the modernization of the CEC’s internal computer network, training for election officials and observers, as well as the production of informational and awareness raising materials for voters.

The major part of the assistance package will be provided through a 1.7 million euro project, implemented by the OSCE Office in Yerevan and funded by the EU. The agreement also envisages co-operation with other international partners.

The OSCE Office in Yerevan has been providing assistance to promote electoral reform in Armenia since 2000. It has co-ordinated and chaired the international working group on elections, as well as streamlined the international community’s efforts in reforming election legislation, improving election administration, raising public awareness and strengthening domestic observation groups.