Today,
on September 7, the working group of the Human Rights Defender's office,
conducting the monitoring of the elections of the Yerevan Council of Elders,
met with the secretary of the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) Armen Smbatyan
and the head of the legal department, Lilia Hakobyan.
"Organizing
a fair electoral process is a crucial aspect of upholding the rule of law and
democracy. Through effective cooperation, we can proactively address issues
before they arise. This meeting is an opportunity to discuss the existing
problems, the complaints we receive, as well as the legislative gaps, and to
develop solution mechanisms," stated the Defender Anahit Manasyan.
During
the meeting, the representatives of the Human Rights Defender’s office
discussed various issues, including problems recorded during previous elections
and potential challenges for the upcoming elections.
Reference
was made to the proper exercise of the electoral right of persons with
disabilities.
Armen
Smbatyan indicated that this year around 180 polling stations are accessible or
partially accessible for people with disabilities, all polling stations will
have braille ballots, which will enable citizens with visual impairment to vote
on their own. He also presented the latest amendments to the electoral
legislation, as well as the approaches of the commission to various issues
related to the electoral process.
The
working group was created on the instructions of the Defender Anahit Manasyan
in order to ensure the guarantee of electoral rights and the most effective
protection for the regular elections of the Yerevan Council of Elders to be
held on September 17. On that day, the staff will operate in an emergency mode,
monitoring and responding to alleged violations of human rights, as well as
taking necessary actions in relation to them within the framework of the
Defender’s competencies.
Complaints related to the exercise of the right to vote can be directed to the
Human Rights Defender’s office through the 24/7 free hotline at 116 or (096)
116 100.
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