YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–A delegation representing the Armenian Revolutionary Federation held a meeting with President Robert Kocharian Monday to discuss issues concerning upcoming parliamentary elections.
Stressing the importance of free and fair elections–Kocharian said that major responsibility lies not only in the hands of the government but also in major political parties.
According to the President–it is favorable for all parties to show good will toward one another–arrive at an agreement on fundamental issues–and operate under proper and legal work ethics at all time.
ARF Executive Council of Armenia representative Vahan Hovanessian said that the ARF places great importance on political development and is willing to assist with all of its efforts in securing free and fair elections.
The president’s press office then offered the party representatives to voice their concerns on the current policies and laws on elections.
The ARF representatives noted that while the new election code is beneficial and encouraging–there are some flaws that need to be addressed.
Particularly–the ARF representatives noted that the participation of regional governors in the election process creates a conflict of interest–and therefore an amendment of the election code is necessary.
Kocharian said that he also had a few discrepancies with the new election code–however he believes that the election is written well enough for fair elections.