OSCE/ODIHR to observe parliamentary elections in Armenia

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS: In anticipation of an official invitation to observe the upcoming 2012 parliamentary elections and in accordance with its mandate, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) undertook a Needs Assessment Mission (NAM) to Armenia from 30 January to 1 February, OSCE/ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission Report runs, Armenpress reports.

The purpose of the mission was to assess the pre-election environment and the preparations for the elections. Based on this assessment, the NAM should recommend whether to deploy an

OSCE/ODIHR election-related activity for the forthcoming elections, and if so, what type of activity best meets the identified needs. Meetings were held with state institutions, the election

administration, and the judiciary, as well as with representatives of political parties, the media, and civil society.

In the report the OSCE/ODIHR expresses gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the OSCE Office in Yerevan for their assistance and co-operation in organizing the NAM.

OSCE/ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission Report also stresses that Armenian authorities have expressed their distinct intention to conduct transparent and democratic elections in accordance with OSCE standards.