‘The Line Formation’ Does Not Stand: Arzrun Hovhannisyan Clarifies

On December 9, regarding the parliamentary elections in Armenia, the Ministry of Defense’s hotline received 39 calls by 17:00, mainly concerning the organization of elections, the transfer of soldiers from military units, and the voting of conscripts on leave.

In some cases, citizens were directed to other relevant authorities for questions that did not fall within the Ministry of Defense's jurisdiction. They were provided with the appropriate clarifications.

“There have also been reports that servicemen are entering polling stations in a line formation; however, investigations conducted on site revealed that this perception was formed by mistake and refers to the organization of the process of entering polling stations in turn and in groups.

In polling stations located near military units, conscript soldiers make up a significant number of voters, and wearing military uniforms creates the impression that they are moving in formation.

Moreover, the concept of ‘line formation’ is not defined in the regulations of the Armenian Armed Forces, which is mistakenly interpreted as standing in line.

The Electoral Code of Armenia explicitly prohibits entering polling centers in line formation, which is strictly mandated and followed by servicemen,” stated the spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, Arzrun Hovhannisyan.

The hotline will continue to operate until the voting ends.