In the run-up to the local elections in Gyumri and Vanadzor on 2 October 2016 over 200 domestic observers were trained and prepared for election observation in this two regions. The trainings were organised by the Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly-Vanadzor (HCAV) in Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor, Goris, Martuni and Gavar in the framework of the PCF project “Long-term electoral assistance to the election related stakeholders of Armenia” funded by the European Union.
After the training, where participants studied the basic elements of election observation and how to report the findings, both based on national legislation and international election standards, the newly trained observers were deployed in Gyumri and Vanadzor, to monitor the local election process on 2 October.
In Gyumri and Vanadzor, the 2nd and 3rd largest cities by population, people voted for political parties and blocs running for municipal councils where the majority later elects the mayor. The model has been used in capital Yerevan since 2009.
The domestic observation mission was carried out in cooperation with Union of Informed Citizens, Goris Press Club, Martuni Women’s Community Council and Armenian Helsinki Committee. The findings of the observation mission in Gyumri and Vanadzor by HCAV and partners are available at HCAV website.
