Key Incidents Recorded During the First Half of the Voting Period: 'Witness' Monitoring Mission

The first half of the voting period, from 08:00 to 14:00, has generally passed peacefully, although there has been significant passivity among voters. This was reported by the 'Witness' monitoring mission on their Facebook page.

There was one incident reported regarding the obstruction of monitors' entry at polling stations. At polling station 8/35, the simultaneous presence of two 'Witness' observers was somewhat hindered by the secretary and the chairperson, who lacked a clear stance on the legality of having both observers present. After contacting the Central Election Commission (CEC) several times (including by 'Witness'), the issue was resolved approximately 20 minutes later.

Three incidents were recorded concerning voters' right to exercise their voting rights at two polling stations. At polling station 6/06, the data of two individuals listed in the voter registry were reportedly not available in the technical equipment. One of the individuals was later able to vote after their ID card was read by the technical device, while the other was not permitted to vote and was asked to provide an alternative identification document despite having valid identification.

At polling station 10/02, an individual's information listed in the voter registry was absent from the technical equipment, which resulted in them not being allowed to vote even though they had valid documentation. This individual was referred to the higher electoral commission for additional verification.

Three issues were reported related to the work of commission members and the provision of ballots. At polling station 5/2, a commission member failed to provide ballots for political force number 12 to voters. The situation was rectified after a remark from the commission chairperson.

Additionally, at the same polling station 5/2, records in the registry were made with a pencil by the chairperson and the secretary. After an observer pointed this out, the issue was resolved.

At polling station 7/60, there was a relative shortage of ballots for numbers 4 and 14. This was revealed and voiced by an observer, prompting the commission chairperson to complete the ballot count for number 4.

Four issues were noted concerning the proper furnishing of polling centers and the requirements related to closing and sealing the ballot boxes.

At polling station 1/01, the room was arranged in a manner that did not fully guarantee voters' right to privacy, as there was a door adjacent to the voting booths allowing commission members' access. The observers' recommendation to rearrange the setup was rejected.

At polling station 8/38, the legal requirements for closing and sealing the ballot box, established by law and the CEC, were not adhered to, specifically, the ballot box was not sealed.

At polling station 10/12, there was a door next to the voting booth that was not secured and could be used by commission members. The director did not provide the key to the commission chairperson to close this door.

Six incidents of the presence of third parties in and around polling stations were observed, with some instances indicating a possible control over voter participation.

At polling station 2/04, an individual was seen in a location 50 meters outside the polling center for one and a half hours, along with several others who changed periodically. This individual regularly greeted people heading to the polling station and spoke to them. They were registered as a trusted person of the 'Civil Contract' party at the polling station. After several urges to leave, they responded negatively, claiming they were in their yard. Following a conversation with the commission chairperson, this individual eventually departed.

At polling station 2/30, the same person visited the polling station twice, first with a man and later with several women. This individual left after an observer took photographs.

At polling stations 6/18 and 6/19, three individuals were present outside, making calls to verify the numbers of election participants. After being recorded and photographed by an observer, they left the polling center.

Later, these individuals were also seen near polling center 6/32, where they had a brief meeting with a trusted person from the 'Mother Armenia' party alliance.

At polling station 8/40, the director of School No. 75, located in the same building, was present for about 30 minutes, offering assistance in organizing the work. At the chairperson's request, the director left the polling center.

At polling station 9/22, the presence of a third party, Marine Malhasiyan, a candidate from the 'Democratic Alliance' party, was recorded. There were also attempts by this individual to interfere with the commission's work. They remained in the voting room for about 40 minutes. After observers informed the commission chairperson, the latter attempted to remove the candidate, but they did not leave immediately and displayed aggressive behavior. Eventually, the candidate was removed with police intervention.

At polling station 10/28, a trusted individual from the 'Civil Contract' party made calls, taking notes on their phone and communicating regularly with voters. After being recorded by an observer, the trusted individual explained that people approached them to greet or because they recognized them.