EU, OSCE joint project to promote democratic elections in Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Union and OSCE will support democratic general elections in Armenia in 2012 and 2013. The European Union and the OSCE have agreed on a joint project, worth 1,7 million Euro, to be financed by the European Union and implemented by the OSCE Office in Yerevan.

At January 19 press conference, the Head of EU Delegation to Armenia Traian Hristea and the Deputy Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan Carel Hofstra will present and highlight details on joint project.

This initiative of the two international organizations re-confirms their intention to support Armenia in conducting elections in line with international standards. Being the first joint project related to elections in Armenia, the project aims to support all stakeholders involved in elections, EU Delegation to Armenia press service told PanARMENIAN.Net

The project means to strengthen civil society’s skills for professional domestic observation and reporting on electoral processes, including pre-electoral campaign, polling and complaints/appeals procedures; enhance human rights protection in the country through strengthening the Human Rights Defender's Office (HRDO) and expanding its geographical outreach; strengthen technical and professional capacities of election commissions to carry out efficient and accountable administration of electoral processes; boost technical and professional capacities of the police to provide for accurate and accessible voter lists, organize rapid reaction to crime notifications, protect public order and investigating pre-electoral violence; raising public awareness of electoral rights and procedures among population, especially outside Yerevan.