Capital Decision 2009: Another vote, another day of dirty politics

Capital Decision 2009: Another vote, another day of dirty politics


As voting polls close on another Armenian election, accounts of election violations during the Yerevan City Council election have dominated the day, but are likely to have little influence on the outcome.

Already, some observer groups have reported apparent voting fraud, including mass bussing of possibly-ineligible voters from districts outside the capital municipality.

At least one account of violence – a shooting – has been reported but not officially confirmed, although some 50 or so law enforcement were sent to the scene.

The final turnout figures released by the Central Electoral Commission show that 407,745 out of Yerevan's 771,477 eligible voters (or 52.85 percent) went to the polls on Sunday.

By morning, it should become clear whether, as expected, the ruling Republican Party of Armenia will control City Hall as it controls the National Assembly and the Government.

ArmeniaNow will post relevant updates on Monday.

Meanwhile, we offer photojournalist Nazik Armenakyan’s report on the day.