Tigran Mukuchyan, the chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC), was surprised at the initiative of the Center for Parliamentarism in Armenia (CEA) to supervise the activities of the OSCE/ODIHR monitoring mission. “Excuse me, what center is that? I don’t know it, I haven’t heard of it before,” Mr. Mukuchyan said to www.aravot.am.
In response to our question whether there was a need for supervising the work of the OSCE/ODIHR monitoring mission, Mr. Mukuchyan said: “This is one of those questions when I say ‘No comment.” If someone thinks that he should take on a task of supervising everyone’s activities, it is a different matter. There are observers, their functions are quite clear, their rights and obligations are clearly provided for, and they perform their functions. I
cannot imagine that one NGO can supervise another NGO; I don’t know about any precedent of that in any country around the world.”
Mr. Mukuchyan didn’t comment on the claims of Aram Harutyunyan, a candidate for president, that foreign observers came to Armenia on a concert tour. “It is his opinion, ask him to explain it. Carrying out monitoring missions is always important, because the suggestions that are made always contribute to improving the electoral system. I highly appreciate their role and importance.”
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