We Will Live, We Will See: Hakobyan on Conducting Fair Elections for Yerevan City Council

The chairman of the Central Electoral Commission, Vahagn Hakobyan, does not rule out the possibility of abuse of administrative resources by the ruling candidate in the Yerevan city council elections. However, he assures that if this occurs, the individual will be held accountable in accordance with the law. He made this statement during a press conference today, addressing concerns about the conduct of fair and transparent elections.

Previously, it was reported that according to a survey by the GALLUP International Association, the majority of Yerevan residents, over 50 percent, expressed skepticism about the fairness of the upcoming elections.

Hakobyan considers the doubts surrounding his capability to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections as baseless and the result of misinformation. “Those making such claims are not well-acquainted with the activities of former heads of the CEC. As for impartial organizational skills, we will see how well the CEC president can organize good elections,” he added.

He emphasized that he has always been an advocate for and has fought for free, fair, and competitive elections. “The use of administrative resources in elections must be excluded. If such a case arises, I do not know from whom, in any event, if there is an application of administrative resources, the legislative accountability measures are in place, and we have no doubt that these measures will be implemented,” stated the CEC chairman.

He also noted that if there are reports of violations during the campaign by monitoring organizations or media, the CEC will initiate proceedings on its own initiative. “We will be watching closely,” Hakobyan added.

It should be noted that the official process for nominations by parties and party alliances participating in the city council elections scheduled for autumn began on August 3 and will last for 10 days, concluding on August 13. Political forces and alliances wishing to participate in the city council elections must submit the necessary documents for registration to the CEC within this 10-day period. The pre-election campaign will commence on August 23.

Recall that the Yerevan city council elections will take place on September 17. As of now, the following individuals and political forces have announced their candidacy for the position of mayor and participation in the city council elections: former deputy prime minister and current Yerevan deputy mayor Tigran Avinyan (ruling Civil Contract party), leader of the Yerevan city council 'Light' faction Davit Khajakyan, former head of Yerevan's Kentron administrative district Viktor Mnatsakanyan, president of the 'Country of Life' party Mane Tandilyan, member of the board of the 'National Progress' party and former mayor of Yerevan Hayk Marutyan, former justice minister and member of the 'Republic' party’s political council Artak Zeynalyan, the 'For Social Justice' party, Tigran Arzakantsyan's 'Strength of the Fatherland' party (led by Nelli Harutyunyan), and coordinator of the 'Mother Armenia' movement Andranik Tevanyan.