European observer considers transportation of voters to polling stations as a way to save money

YEREVAN, MAY 6, ARMENPRESS: The transportation of the voters to the polling stations during the Yerevan City Council Elections is a possibility to save money. This was stated at a press conference in Yerevan, by the Head of the delegation of the Council of Europe Congress composed of representatives from nine European countries including three members of the EU Committee of the Regions Rapporteur, Stewart Dickson (UK, ILDG). “In my own country many voters would rather choose to use the transport means offered by non-sympathetic party to go to the elections, thus saving their financial resources”, - stated Stewart Dickson, as reported by Armenpress, adding that this phenomena is frequently faced in many European countries during the elections period.

Congress Rapporteur Dickson stated that, with the exception of individual incidents in a few polling stations, the elections were carried out in calm and orderly manner and that the vote was technically well prepared, although the counting process, which at times looked chaotic and was slow, needs further improvement.

The international observing group had 12 members. The observers visited 100 polling stations. The final report of the Yerevan City Council Elections will be presented in October in Strasburg.

In accordance with the preliminary results of the May 5 Yerevan Council of Aldermen elections, the Republican Party of Armenia has gained triumph and received 55,86 percent of the votes. Hence, Taron Margaryan, leading the proportional list of the Republican Party of Armenia, has been reelected as the Mayor of Yerevan.

According to the preliminary results of 464 polling stations, the Republican Party of Armenia is leading with 235, 512 votes or 55,86 percent. "Prosperous Armenia" Party occupies the second place with 23,05 percent or 97,189 votes. "Prosperous Armenia" Party is followed by "Hello, Yerevan" bloc, which has received 8,47 percent or 35, 732 votes. "Armenian National Congress" has received 4,39 percent (18, 499 votes). Armenian Revolutionary Federation – Dashnaktsutyun has 15,999 votes or 3,79 percent. "Rule of Law" received 3,73 percent or 15, 733 votes, and "Mission" Party has received 0,64 percent or 2692 votes.

26 local and 1 international organizations carried out observing mission during the Yerevan City Council Elections. The final number of the Yerevan voters is 816 475, about 3000 of which are not citizens of the Republic of Armenia, but have the right to vote (refugees, people having special residency status and those, who have permanent and temporary residence status).The Elections of May 5 were attended by 437 212 voters.