ArmInfo. EU welcomes the agreement on election reform signed between the government and opposition of Armenia.
"Yesterday's signature of the new political agreement on electoral reform in the Republic of Armenia between the Government coalition and opposition parties, and consulted with civil society representatives, is a positive development supporting the implementation of electoral reform in the country," says EEAS Spokesperson Maja Kocijancic in a statement.
In her words, the European Union's financial assistance, together with that of other international partners and the engagement of the Government, will enable the implementation of the technical aspects defined by the new Electoral Code of the Republic of Armenia.
"The electoral stakeholders in Armenia should now fully implement the new electoral legislation in good faith in order to increase credibility, transparency and public trust in the new electoral system and procedures in line with international standards," Maja Kocijancic says.
Yesterday, on September 13, representatives of authorities and oppositionist factions in 444 format signed new agreement on creating additional mechanisms of raising public confidence towards elections. The new document envisages publication of voted citizens' lists, amendments to Criminal Code on toughening punishment for false testimony related to election rigging, prolongation of terms of recalculation and appeal of results, as well as ensuring online broadcasting from polling stations during elections. Head of Armenian National Congress faction Levon Zurabyan said for implementing additional mechanisms of control over electoral processes we needed 9 mln USD, which were raised due to EU, the USA and donor organizations' efforts.