Bribery, Voting on Behalf of Others: Reports of Election Violations from Syunik

During the recent local government elections in the Syunik region, ten reports of alleged criminal activities have been received, and one criminal case has been initiated. This information was provided by the press service of the Prosecutor General's Office of Armenia.

According to the announcement, 11 reports and alerts regarding apparent electoral or election-related violations have been received concerning the local government elections held in the communities of Goris, Tatev, Tegh, and Meghri in Syunik. Of these, 2 were received before election day, and 9 during the voting process.

Nine of the alerts were media reports, while 2 were reported by police officers. The received reports and alerts included 3 related to bribery, 2 concerning voting on behalf of another or multiple times, 1 regarding coercion to participate in campaigning or obstructions, 1 about hindering the exercise of electoral rights, the work of electoral commissions, or the fulfillment of duties by individuals participating in the election, and 4 of other types, including related to gatherings near polling stations, the use of administrative resources, and statements made about directing voters.

Nine of the reports concerning alleged election violations are currently being verified to establish the facts mentioned. Two reports are under investigation, one concerning apparent voting on behalf of another, and the other regarding the distribution of alleged bribes. Materials are being prepared by the investigating body in accordance with Articles 180-181 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Armenia (Procedure for reviewing reports of crimes and decisions made as a result of reviewing reports of crimes).

One of these cases is currently ongoing, while a criminal case has been initiated regarding the other under Article 154.2, Part 1 (Bribery of voters, acceptance of bribes, violation of the prohibition of charity during elections, or hindering the free will of voters) and Part 2 (Offering bribes to a voter personally or through intermediaries for voting in favor or against any of the candidates, parties, or voting multiple times or voting for another person). An investigation is being conducted in this criminal case.