ELECTION IN KARABAKH TRANSPARENT AND FREE, OBSERVERS SAID

PanARMENIAN.Net - The observation mission of the Public International Law and Policy Group, arrived from the US, has characterized the parliamentary election held in Nagorno Karabakh June 19 as «free and transparent,» Group Managing Director James Hooper stated at a news conference. In his words, headed by him the Group has observed 22 electoral districts and 37 polling stations in Nagorno Karabakh. «The parliamentary election was transparent and free. The changes the Central Electoral Commission had introduced to the Electoral Code, have paved way for democratic arena for political parties,» he said. «On the whole the developments in Nagorno Karabakh are becoming more democratic and we hope sustainable democracy will be established in the country,» Hooper remarked. He also mentioned that no pressure or serious shortcomings were registered in the course of the election. At that he noted there were slight shortcomings referring to the electoral rolls. Answering a question on the possible difference between the democratic way of holding of elections in NK and Azerbaijan, the observation group members said they had not been to Azerbaijan, however they possess information. «If a comparison of that kind would have been made, the Karabakh would have a stronger position, as NK can display it has had progress and has become a more democratic country. We hail the competition in the region, however we would be glad for competition to pose a question of «who is more democratic,» rather than «whose Armed Forces are better,» Hooper said.