Armenia launches 37 criminal cases to probe electoral fraud claims

PanARMENIAN.Net - 37 criminal cases have been launched into reported electoral fraud cases, including 23 on claims of possible vote-buying, the Armenian General Prosecutor's office reports, almost one week after the parliamentary vote held across the country on June 20.

According to the authorities, 47 people have been prosecuted as of June 25, 26 of whom have been handed charges, while 11 others have been involved in the cases as suspects.

Charges have also been brought against six candidates from two blocs and one party running in elections, one of whom has left the country, the Prosecutor's office said.

Caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party won almost 54% of the vote, while Hayastan (Armenia) bloc headed by second President Robert Kocharyan secured over 21% of the ballots. "I Have Honor" bloc too will get seats in the parliament.