Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly-Vanadzor

On the eve of the elections of Gyumri and Parakar to be held on March 30, 2025, the “Independent Observer” alliance expressed its deep concern about the tensions created towards pre-election activities and the lack of transparency of the legal actions. 

In recent days, several worrying cases have been recorded, which include searches, deprivation of freedom of political party actors, severe actions by the law-enforcement bodies against the forces participating in the elections. 

In particular, it became clear that on March 27, Emma Grigoryan, a member of the Council of Elders of Gyumri,  was taken to the Anti-corruption Committee after the search carried out at the headquarters of the “Mother Armenia” alliance. At the Anti-corruption Committee, the advocates and deputies of the National Assembly were not allowed to enter the building, preventing them from providing legal support. 

Statements were disseminated on the Internet that operations were carried out at the campaign headquarters of Martun Grigoryan by the law-enforcement bodies. Information on the search of his apartment and the arrest of his family members was also disseminated. 

On the same day, the ruling “Civil Contract” party held a press conference, announcing that there had been cases of voter fraud and that citizens’ free expression of will had been obstructed. That press conference was held immediately after the depicted incidents when the law-enforcement bodies had not yet released any information about the implemented actions and the facts of the alleged crimes. Under these circumstances, the statements of the ruling party on the mentioned cases are inadmissible as they can be interpreted as interference and direction by the law-enforcement bodies. 

The “Independent Observer” alliance, having years of experience of observation, strictly condemns the attempts of bribery by any political force participating in the election. Moreover, we find that hence the political forces should show intolerance towards any attempt of violation of the election rights. 

At the same time, the alliance of  “Independent observer”  reminds, that in terms of ensuring the legal proceedings based on bribery and other possible election crimes, the law-enforcement bodies are obliged to act promptly and effectively, but at the same time to ensure the accountability and transparency of that process so that the public will be informed. 

Taking into account that the election processes have a high level of political sensitivity, any legal activity must be carried out on the basis of ensuring public reliance. In order not to undermine the trust of citizens and to prevent media manipulations, it is necessary to ensure accountability and transparency of such a legal process that would not give an impression of political persecution and interference in elections. 

The "Independent Observer” alliance will continue to observe the development of the situation and respond and record the possible electoral violations having the purpose to protect free and fair electoral processes and to contribute to the public trust towards the election institutes.  

The Observation mission is implemented with the financial support of the European Union and the German Marshall Foundation of the United States. Its content is solely the responsibility of the "Direct Democracy" NGO and does not necessarily reflect the views of GMF.