ICES: NKR presidential polls held in line with international electoral standardsJuly 20, 2012 - 13:04 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The official observer mission of the International expert Center for Electoral Systems (ICES) characterized presidential polls in Nagorno Karabakh as free expression of popular will, in line with international electoral standards. As the mission head Alexander Tsinker stated in Stepanakert, the elections were held in an atmosphere of democratic and competitive struggle, with high voter turnout reported. No electoral frauds were noted at ICES-monitored electoral districts or while handing over the protocols to Central Electoral Committee, the observers noted. Also no disturbances occurred during the polls, with no attempt to undermine voting procedures taken. According to preliminary results of the Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) Republic’s Central Election Committee, the incumbent leader, Bako Sahakyan, gained 47 085 (66,7%) of the votes to win the presidential race. His major rival Vitaly Balasanyan garnered 22 966 (32,5%) of votes while Arkady Soghomonyan received 594 (0,8%) of votes. Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | Azerbaijan must respect human rights, Scholz tells Aliyev German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for greater respect for human rights in Azerbaijan. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. |