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2013 Armenian presidential election

April 29, 2023

Presidential elections were held in Armenia on 18 February 2013. In the run-up to the elections, Armenia's first President Levon Ter-Petrosyan and Gagik Tsarukyan, leader of the second largest parliamentary party Prosperous Armenia, withdrew from the race in December 2012. Many believed that no candidate would be able to challenge incumbent President Serzh Sargsyan, others stated that people see "absence of alternatives" and these factors caused great apathy among the public.[1][2]

2013 Armenian presidential election
← 2008 18 February 2013 (2013-02-18) 2018 →
 
Nominee Serzh Sargsyan Raffi Hovannisian
Party Republican Heritage
Popular vote 861,160 539,672
Percentage 58.64% 36.75%

On 31 January 2013, candidate Paruyr Hayrikyan was shot, but he recovered soon and urged two other main opposition candidates Raffi Hovannisian and Hrant Bagratyan to unite around a single opposition candidate, in order to defeat President Sargsyan. On 10 February, he appealed to the Constitutional Court with a request to postpone the election for 14 days and stated that he will take it back in case the three main opposition candidates decide to unite around a single candidate, but he withdrew the appeal the next day.

The elections resulted in a victory for incumbent President Sargsyan, who received 59% of the vote. Hovannisian came second with 37%, while the other candidates earned less than 4% of the total vote.

Sargsyan's main opponent Raffi Hovannisian claimed victory due to alleged electoral fraud. In days following the election, mass protests take place both in Yerevan (Freedom Square in particular) and other cities and towns throughout Armenia. Hovannisian urged Sargsyan to accept "people's victory" and concede his defeat.[3] Hovannisian called the movement 'Barevolution', a portmanteau of 'barev' (բարև, 'hello') and 'revolution', referring to his habit of walking up to people and greeting them during the election campaign.[4][5]

Although several countries (including the US, Russia, France, Iran, Turkey) congratulated Sargsyan on winning reelection, a number of influential politicians and political parties in Armenia (including the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, former President Levon Ter-Petrosyan, former Prime Ministers Aram Sargsyan and Hrant Bagratyan who came in third, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Vartan Oskanian,[6] MP Nikol Pashinyan, Andrias Ghukasyan who came in fifth during the election) have publicly stated that Hovannisian had won the election and the official results are a product of electoral fraud.

On 10 March 2013, Hovannisian started a hunger strike in Freedom Square.[7] On 14 March 2013, the Constitutional Court of Armenia issued a verdict confirming the victory of President Sargsyan.[8] Hovannisian ended his hunger strike on 31 March 2013.[9] A clash occurred between Hovannisian's supporters and the police forces on Baghramyan Avenue.

Background

 
Armenia's first president Levon Ter-Petrosyan refused to run for president because of age.[10]

The previous presidential election in Armenia was held in February 2008. Sargsyan was announced president with 52.8% of the popular vote. Armenia's first president, Levon Ter-Petrosyan, finished second with 21.5%. Immediately after the results were announced, thousands of Ter-Petrosyan's supporters gathered in Yerevan's Freedom Square to protest against electoral fraud. Eventually, the police and the army (allegedly) clashed with the protesters, resulting in the death of ten people (eight protesters and two policemen).

Less than a year earlier—in May 2012—Armenians voted in parliamentary elections. The ruling Republican Party of Armenia of President Sargsyan won a majority and formed government. Besides the Republican Party's close partner Rule of Law, the other four parties that won seats in parliament, did not recognize the legitimacy of the May election. On 15 December 2012, the Republican Party officially nominated Serzh Sargsyan as the party candidate.[11] In December 2012, the second and third largest parties represented in the National Assembly announced that they would not nominate candidates, nor will support candidates in the upcoming election. First on 12 December 2012, Prosperous Armenia, the second largest party in parliament, announced their decision.[12] While on 25 December 2012, Armenia's first president Levon Ter-Petrosyan announced that he would not participate in the upcoming election,[13] though it was initially announced that Ter-Petrosyan would be the candidate of the Armenian National Congress (ANC). In May 2012, ANC speaker Levon Zurabyan said that the ANC does not have a better candidate for presidency than Ter-Petrosyan.[14]

On 26 December 2012, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation announced their decision not to nominate a candidate.[15] Thus, three major extra-parliamentary parties—the ARF, ANC and Prosperous Armenia—did not participate in this election.

Meanwhile, the Green Party of Armenia endorsed Hrant Bagratyan for the presidency.

Candidates

Seven candidates were registered:[16]

Campaign

The campaign started on 21 January and ended on 16 February 2013.

On 8 February 2013, Aram Harutyunyan, the leader of the National Conciliation Party, after a one-day hunger strike, submitted a withdrawal statement.[17][18]

Ghukasyan's hunger strike

One of the candidates, Andrias Ghukasyan started a hunger strike in front of the National Academy of Sciences building on 21 January 2013, demanding to "Stop Fake Elections".[19][20]

 
Paruyr Hayrikyan was shot in right clavicle during the election campaign
Hayrikyan's assassination attempt
 
Wikinews has related news:
  • Armenian presidential elections at stake after attack on candidate

On 31 January 2013, just before midnight, candidate Paruyr Hayrikyan was shot in his right clavicle.[21] He was taken to hospital. The doctors saved his life and two days later he was already able to give an interview in the hospital.

President Sarksyan stated that "those who were behind this crime aimed to affect the natural flow of elections", and continued that "this outrageous crime is directed not only against presidential candidate and statesman Hayrikyan but against our security." Hayrikyan, who was campaigning on a platform of taking a more pro-Western foreign policy accused a foreign secret service agency of the attack, possibly Russia, the country's traditional supporter. "I suspect a secret service of a foreign country... I said clearly that there was no alternative for us and we should move closer to Europe. We've had more harm than advantage from imperialistic Russia... I suggest that the assassination attempt is linked to these statements." The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) expressed concern over the incident. Ambassador Janez Lenarcic, the Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, said: "This attack is deeply distressing in view of the electoral process already under way, and I urge all stakeholders to refrain from any actions that might further aggravate the situation."[22]

The election could have been postponed by two weeks according to the Electoral Law of Armenia, but on 5 February 2013, Hayrikyan made it clear that he will not appeal to the Constitutional Court with such request.[23][24][25]

Hayrikyan's open letter to Hovannisian and Bagratyan

On 9 February 2013, the injured presidential candidate Paruyr Hayrikyan announced about his decision to postpone the election for 14 days, using his right given by the Armenian Constitution. He called two other major opposition candidates Raffi Hovannisian and Hrant Bagratyan to unite around a single opposition candidate.[26] Hayrikyan stated that, "if I postpone the elections for 14 days, we will still have the chance to propose a common candidate, to develop the final points of the pre-election projections and to present ourselves in the public ten more days like a unity. And in that case, our common percentage will reach not only 70%, but even more—80%."[27]

Appeal to the Constitutional court

Despite his previous statements, presidential candidate Paruyr Hayrikyan, who was shot on 31 January 2013, appealed to the court on 10 February 2013. His aide stated "We've applied the Constitutional Court with a request to postpone the election for two weeks due to Paruyr Hayrikyan's health problems and the fact that he can't campaign."

While filing the request, Hayrikyan stated that in case Raffi Hovannisian and Hrant Bagratyan come together and decide to unite, he will take his request back. He in particular said "Should it happen [the unification] my right to equal competition would be breached, but it would be compensated by the creation of a united team. Moreover, the state would avoid additional expenses and the timetable of numerous observers would not be disrupted, otherwise I am obliged to hold a complete campaign during those two weeks along with the other candidates’ participation." The court will make a decision in four days.[28] The Constitutional Court must rule within four days on whether to delay the vote - a decision which largely depended on doctors' evaluation of whether the candidate was well enough to campaign.[29]

On 11 February 2013, however, Hayrikyan took his application back form the Constitutional Court.[30]

Attacks on journalists and reporters

Several journalists were physically attacked while reporting on the electoral campaign. Nobody was prosecuted by the police, due to "lack of evidence".[31]

Opinion polls

Source Date of Polling Sargsyan Hovannisian Bagratyan Hayrikyan Others Notes
TNS opinion/EuFoA/IPSC 31 Jan–5 Feb 2013
58
 33 2.8 4.9 1.3 of the decided voters
Baltic Surveys/Gallup 25 Jan–2 Feb 2013
69
 11 5 5 10 of the decided voters
VTSIOM 25–29 Jan 2013
61
 27 4 5 3 of the decided voters
Baltic Surveys/Gallup 15–23 Jan 2013
66
 10 4 4 1.6 16% were undecided
15–20 Jan 2013
68.6
 20.8 5 5 1.5 of the decided voters
Sociometer 31 Dec 2012
72
 20 5.6 3 1.4 of the decided voters

Criticism

Many have questioned the reliability of opinion polls in Armenia, including the three main opposition candidates Raffi Hovannisian,[32] Hrant Bagratyan[33] and Paruyr Hayrikyan.[34] For instance, Bagratyan called the Gallup International Association "fake Gallup" (սուտի Գելափ) in the interview to the Armenian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty,[35] making a reference to the organization's dispute with Gallup, Inc. over the name. The comedy show ArmComedy, named their 79th episode "Albert Adibunts",[36] referring to the head of Sociometer center, Aharon Adibekyan, who is often criticized by opposition politicians.[37]

Open-access polls

Several open-access polls (such as online polls) were conducted in this election. A special website was created for this purpose, . According to the results there, of more than 4,700 voters, President Sargsyan had only 15% of the total vote, while his main opponent Raffi Hovannisian had about 40%, Hrant Bagratyan 11% and Paruyr Hayrikyan 4%. The epic poetry expert Vardan Sedrakyan got 26% of the vote, mainly by people who don't prefer any of the candidates.[38][39]

Another poll was conducted in the website of Aravot daily. In the poll there, Sargsyan had 12% of the vote, while Hovannisian had 32%, Bagratyan 17%, Hayrikyan 4%.[40]

Exit polls

The Baltic Surveys/The Gallup Organization held an exit poll, the results were: 58% Sargsyan, 32% Hovannisian.[41]

Results

 
Election results by electoral districts

The main support of Hovannisian was from urban areas, particularly in the second and third largest cities of Armenia, Gyumri and Vanadzor,[42] where Hovannisian won overwhelming support of the voters. He also won in the cities of Ashtarak, Ijevan, Armavir, Ejmiatsin, Nor Hachn, Abovyan, Spitak, Akhuryan, Artik, Kapan, Yeghegnadzor, Noyemberyan.[43] Besides provincial towns, Hovannisian also won in three districts of Yerevan: Avan, Arabkir and Ajapnyak.[44]

The results in rural areas was the opposite. There, Sargsyan won by far.[45] Sargsyan received major support from Yerevan’s Erebuni and Nubarashen districts where an army unit is located.[46]

CandidatePartyVotes%
Serzh SargsyanRepublican Party861,16058.64
Raffi HovannisianHeritage539,67236.75
Hrant BagratyanFreedom Party31,6432.15
Paruyr HayrikyanUnion for National Self-Determination18,0931.23
Andrias GhukasyanIndependent8,3280.57
Vardan SedrakyanIndependent6,2030.42
Arman MelikyanIndependent3,5160.24
Total1,468,615100.00
Valid votes1,468,61596.64
Invalid/blank votes50,9883.36
Total votes1,519,603100.00
Registered voters/turnout2,528,77360.09
Source: Central Electoral Commission

Claims of electoral irregularities

 
OSCE observer mission cited "a correlation between very high turnout and the number of votes for the incumbent" as a reason for "concerns regarding the confidence over the integrity of the electoral process".

Several opposition politicians claimed there were irregularities with the voting list.[47] Raffi Hovannisian talked about the high possibility of fraud, caused by the fact that "700,000 Armenian citizens are on voter lists in the country, but work outside this impoverished nation."[48]

Before the election campaign, the OSCE/ODIHR mission recommended the authorities to "toughen legal punishment for vote buying and other irregularities and make voter lists more accurate."[49]

During and after the election, numerous cases of violations of the electoral code were reported. Raffi Hovannisian's campaign headquarters reported over 100 violations, including open ballot (non-secret) voting, voter pressuring, multiple voting, etc.[50]

One of the local observer organizations "iDitord" created an online map of about 400 documented irregularities before and during the election day and vote counting.[51] These include vote buying, voter intimidation, inconsistencies in voter lists, violations of voting procedures and other fraudulent activities.

Amnesty International issued a public statement listing numerous irregularities during the elections and saying "Amnesty International calls on the relevant authorities to carry out prompt and impartial investigations into all allegations of rights violations during the elections and hold those responsible to account. The authorities must also guarantee the safety of participants at post-election protests and public meetings."[52]

OSCE observation mission

On 2 March 2013, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe election observers' report pointed out that there is "a correlation between very high turnout and the number of votes for the incumbent", which "raises concerns regarding the confidence over the integrity of the electoral process."[53][54] The mission stated that in many precincts, mainly in rural areas, the turnout was “implausibly high”. The opposition claims that this is a result of excessive use of administrative resources in remote rural areas and a fact that "mayors kept villagers in total fear."[55]

On 5 March, Ireland's former Minister for Justice, OSCE observer, Dermot Ahern wrote a letter where he talked about an evident discrepancy between the results he personally witnessed during the vote counting in Precinct 26/1 and the final official results.[56] Among other inconsistencies he noted, "I could not understand then and still now how invalid votes can become valid." Which made him to conclude that "I feel that full re-examination of this count should take place."

Reaction

 
 
Hovannisian and his supporters protest in Freedom Square, Yerevan on 20 February 2013

Hovannisian

Main article: 2013 Armenian presidential election protests

Runner-up Raffi Hovannisian didn't recognize the legitimacy of the election and on the night of 18 February 2013, he claimed victory in a press conference, stating "We all know that we have won", continuing "for the first time in 20 years the citizens have said yes to our constitution, to the rule of law, to democracy and our future."[57][58]

Mass rallies continued, while on 10 March Hovannisian started a hunger strike and called on Sargsyan to resign.

Armenian diaspora

Groups of the Armenian diaspora protested the results and alleged fraud in front of the Armenian consulates in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Brussels and other major American and European cities.[59][60][61][62]

Serj Tankian, lead singer of Grammy award-winning Armenian-American rock band System of a Down, wrote an open letter to incumbent Sargsyan saying "it's time for change" after non-government organizations reported widespread voting fraud.[63] "Citizens across Armenia are protesting the outcome of the elections and the injustice inherent in the political establishment." He also urged Sargsyan to protect the country from its enemies as "Those who steal elections from my people are domestic enemies that need to be punished."[64][65][66]

International

Supranational bodies
  •   European Union — European Commission President José Manuel Barroso congratulated Sargsyan stating that he welcomes "the improved conduct of the elections and further progress in efforts to bring the democratic process into line with international standards."[67]
  •   Council of Europe — Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland in his congratulatory message stated that he is confident that Sargsyan will "pursue the on-going process of reforms to which you and your country are already committed, with a view to securing its democratic stability and to ensuring full respect for the Rule of Law and for Human Rights in Armenia."[68]
  •   NATO — Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen stated that NATO welcomes "the progress made by Armenia since the last elections and trust further steps will be undertaken to address the remaining deficiencies.”[68]
United States
  •   United States — State Department spokesman Victoria Nuland stated the US "congratulates the people of Armenia on their February 18 presidential elections, which were judged by international observers to be generally well-administered and characterized by a respect for fundamental freedoms, including those of assembly and expression."[69]
On 25 February 2013, Secretary of State John Kerry congratulated Sargsyan on reelection and hoped that Armenia will continue "to increase transparency, promote multiple viewpoints in the mainstream media, and encourage citizens’ active participation in reforms and governance, as well as address the outstanding electoral issues raised by the OSCE."[70]
On 2 March 2013, President Barack Obama sent a congratulatory message to Sargsyan. President Obama said he looks "forward to continuing our work together as we both begin our second terms."[71]
Other countries
  •   Russia — President Vladimir Putin congratulated Sargsyan on winning reelection.[72]
  •   Georgia — President Mikheil Saakashvili congratulated Sargsyan.[73]
  •   Iran — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad congratulated Sargsyan and wished "prosperity and glory" to the Armenian nation.[74]
  •   Turkey — President Abdullah Gül congratulated Sargsyan.[75]
  •   France — French President François Hollande congratulated Sargsyan. His message read "I am confident that it will strengthen your resolve to shape a democratic, stable and prosperous Armenia, which is living in peace with all of its neighbors."[76]
  •   Germany — Chancellor Angela Merkel congratulated Sargsyan and noted that she is confident that Sargsyan "will allow to improve Armenia’s relations with its neighboring countries on the east as well as on the west."[68]
  •   United Kingdom — British PM David Cameron congratulated Sargsyan, wishing "the best as you begin your second term in office. I look forward to our two Governments working together for the mutual benefit of both our countries."[77]
  •   Ukraine — Viktor Yanukovych congratulated Sargsyan and stated that his "years-long work and efforts aimed at the improvement of the living standards of the Armenian people have been once again broadly supported by the citizens of Armenia."[76]

Other heads of states who congratulated Sargsyan include President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko,[78] President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė,[76] President of Lebanon Michel Suleiman,[76] President of Slovakia Ivan Gašparovič,[76] President of Egypt Mohamed Morsi,[76] President of Israel Shimon Peres,[76] President of the Swiss Confederation Ueli Maurer,[79] President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias,[79] President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Truong Tan Sang,[79] President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov,[79] President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon,[79] former President of Slovenia Danilo Türk.[79]

Criticism

Hovannisian, who disputes the election's legitimacy, denounced the congratulatory messages of foreign countries,[80] stating that they "can say whatever they want" and that he will allow nobody to "teach me lessons of American, Western or Russian democracy and law because the Armenian citizens are the masters of our country."[81]

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April 29, 2023
2013, armenian, presidential, election, presidential, elections, were, held, armenia, february, 2013, elections, armenia, first, president, levon, petrosyan, gagik, tsarukyan, leader, second, largest, parliamentary, party, prosperous, armenia, withdrew, from, . Presidential elections were held in Armenia on 18 February 2013 In the run up to the elections Armenia s first President Levon Ter Petrosyan and Gagik Tsarukyan leader of the second largest parliamentary party Prosperous Armenia withdrew from the race in December 2012 Many believed that no candidate would be able to challenge incumbent President Serzh Sargsyan others stated that people see absence of alternatives and these factors caused great apathy among the public 1 2 2013 Armenian presidential election 2008 18 February 2013 2013 02 18 2018 Nominee Serzh Sargsyan Raffi HovannisianParty Republican HeritagePopular vote 861 160 539 672Percentage 58 64 36 75 President before electionSerzh SargsyanRepublican Elected President Serzh SargsyanRepublicanOn 31 January 2013 candidate Paruyr Hayrikyan was shot but he recovered soon and urged two other main opposition candidates Raffi Hovannisian and Hrant Bagratyan to unite around a single opposition candidate in order to defeat President Sargsyan On 10 February he appealed to the Constitutional Court with a request to postpone the election for 14 days and stated that he will take it back in case the three main opposition candidates decide to unite around a single candidate but he withdrew the appeal the next day The elections resulted in a victory for incumbent President Sargsyan who received 59 of the vote Hovannisian came second with 37 while the other candidates earned less than 4 of the total vote Sargsyan s main opponent Raffi Hovannisian claimed victory due to alleged electoral fraud In days following the election mass protests take place both in Yerevan Freedom Square in particular and other cities and towns throughout Armenia Hovannisian urged Sargsyan to accept people s victory and concede his defeat 3 Hovannisian called the movement Barevolution a portmanteau of barev բարև hello and revolution referring to his habit of walking up to people and greeting them during the election campaign 4 5 Although several countries including the US Russia France Iran Turkey congratulated Sargsyan on winning reelection a number of influential politicians and political parties in Armenia including the Armenian Revolutionary Federation former President Levon Ter Petrosyan former Prime Ministers Aram Sargsyan and Hrant Bagratyan who came in third former Minister of Foreign Affairs Vartan Oskanian 6 MP Nikol Pashinyan Andrias Ghukasyan who came in fifth during the election have publicly stated that Hovannisian had won the election and the official results are a product of electoral fraud On 10 March 2013 Hovannisian started a hunger strike in Freedom Square 7 On 14 March 2013 the Constitutional Court of Armenia issued a verdict confirming the victory of President Sargsyan 8 Hovannisian ended his hunger strike on 31 March 2013 9 A clash occurred between Hovannisian s supporters and the police forces on Baghramyan Avenue Contents 1 Background 2 Candidates 3 Campaign 4 Opinion polls 4 1 Criticism 4 2 Open access polls 4 3 Exit polls 5 Results 6 Claims of electoral irregularities 6 1 OSCE observation mission 7 Reaction 7 1 Hovannisian 7 2 Armenian diaspora 7 3 International 7 3 1 Criticism 8 ReferencesBackground Edit Armenia s first president Levon Ter Petrosyan refused to run for president because of age 10 The previous presidential election in Armenia was held in February 2008 Sargsyan was announced president with 52 8 of the popular vote Armenia s first president Levon Ter Petrosyan finished second with 21 5 Immediately after the results were announced thousands of Ter Petrosyan s supporters gathered in Yerevan s Freedom Square to protest against electoral fraud Eventually the police and the army allegedly clashed with the protesters resulting in the death of ten people eight protesters and two policemen Less than a year earlier in May 2012 Armenians voted in parliamentary elections The ruling Republican Party of Armenia of President Sargsyan won a majority and formed government Besides the Republican Party s close partner Rule of Law the other four parties that won seats in parliament did not recognize the legitimacy of the May election On 15 December 2012 the Republican Party officially nominated Serzh Sargsyan as the party candidate 11 In December 2012 the second and third largest parties represented in the National Assembly announced that they would not nominate candidates nor will support candidates in the upcoming election First on 12 December 2012 Prosperous Armenia the second largest party in parliament announced their decision 12 While on 25 December 2012 Armenia s first president Levon Ter Petrosyan announced that he would not participate in the upcoming election 13 though it was initially announced that Ter Petrosyan would be the candidate of the Armenian National Congress ANC In May 2012 ANC speaker Levon Zurabyan said that the ANC does not have a better candidate for presidency than Ter Petrosyan 14 On 26 December 2012 the Armenian Revolutionary Federation announced their decision not to nominate a candidate 15 Thus three major extra parliamentary parties the ARF ANC and Prosperous Armenia did not participate in this election Meanwhile the Green Party of Armenia endorsed Hrant Bagratyan for the presidency Candidates EditSeven candidates were registered 16 Hrant Bagratyan the leader of Freedom Party Prime Minister of Armenia from 1993 to 1996 a member of the Armenian National Congress Andrias Ghukasyan a political analyst Radio Hay director Paruyr Hayrikyan former Soviet dissident leader of the Union for National Self Determination party Raffi Hovannisian the first Foreign Minister of Armenia 1991 1992 leader of the Heritage party Arman Melikyan candidate in the 2008 presidential election Serzh Sargsyan the incumbent President elected in the disputed 2008 election leader of ruling Republican Party Vardan Sedrakyan an epic poetry expertCampaign EditThe campaign started on 21 January and ended on 16 February 2013 On 8 February 2013 Aram Harutyunyan the leader of the National Conciliation Party after a one day hunger strike submitted a withdrawal statement 17 18 Ghukasyan s hunger strikeOne of the candidates Andrias Ghukasyan started a hunger strike in front of the National Academy of Sciences building on 21 January 2013 demanding to Stop Fake Elections 19 20 Paruyr Hayrikyan was shot in right clavicle during the election campaign Hayrikyan s assassination attempt Wikinews has related news Armenian presidential elections at stake after attack on candidate On 31 January 2013 just before midnight candidate Paruyr Hayrikyan was shot in his right clavicle 21 He was taken to hospital The doctors saved his life and two days later he was already able to give an interview in the hospital President Sarksyan stated that those who were behind this crime aimed to affect the natural flow of elections and continued that this outrageous crime is directed not only against presidential candidate and statesman Hayrikyan but against our security Hayrikyan who was campaigning on a platform of taking a more pro Western foreign policy accused a foreign secret service agency of the attack possibly Russia the country s traditional supporter I suspect a secret service of a foreign country I said clearly that there was no alternative for us and we should move closer to Europe We ve had more harm than advantage from imperialistic Russia I suggest that the assassination attempt is linked to these statements The Organization for Security and Co operation in Europe OSCE expressed concern over the incident Ambassador Janez Lenarcic the Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights said This attack is deeply distressing in view of the electoral process already under way and I urge all stakeholders to refrain from any actions that might further aggravate the situation 22 The election could have been postponed by two weeks according to the Electoral Law of Armenia but on 5 February 2013 Hayrikyan made it clear that he will not appeal to the Constitutional Court with such request 23 24 25 Hayrikyan s open letter to Hovannisian and BagratyanOn 9 February 2013 the injured presidential candidate Paruyr Hayrikyan announced about his decision to postpone the election for 14 days using his right given by the Armenian Constitution He called two other major opposition candidates Raffi Hovannisian and Hrant Bagratyan to unite around a single opposition candidate 26 Hayrikyan stated that if I postpone the elections for 14 days we will still have the chance to propose a common candidate to develop the final points of the pre election projections and to present ourselves in the public ten more days like a unity And in that case our common percentage will reach not only 70 but even more 80 27 Appeal to the Constitutional courtDespite his previous statements presidential candidate Paruyr Hayrikyan who was shot on 31 January 2013 appealed to the court on 10 February 2013 His aide stated We ve applied the Constitutional Court with a request to postpone the election for two weeks due to Paruyr Hayrikyan s health problems and the fact that he can t campaign While filing the request Hayrikyan stated that in case Raffi Hovannisian and Hrant Bagratyan come together and decide to unite he will take his request back He in particular said Should it happen the unification my right to equal competition would be breached but it would be compensated by the creation of a united team Moreover the state would avoid additional expenses and the timetable of numerous observers would not be disrupted otherwise I am obliged to hold a complete campaign during those two weeks along with the other candidates participation The court will make a decision in four days 28 The Constitutional Court must rule within four days on whether to delay the vote a decision which largely depended on doctors evaluation of whether the candidate was well enough to campaign 29 On 11 February 2013 however Hayrikyan took his application back form the Constitutional Court 30 Attacks on journalists and reportersSeveral journalists were physically attacked while reporting on the electoral campaign Nobody was prosecuted by the police due to lack of evidence 31 Opinion polls EditSource Date of Polling Sargsyan Hovannisian Bagratyan Hayrikyan Others NotesTNS opinion EuFoA IPSC 31 Jan 5 Feb 2013 58 33 2 8 4 9 1 3 of the decided votersBaltic Surveys Gallup 25 Jan 2 Feb 2013 69 11 5 5 10 of the decided votersVTSIOM 25 29 Jan 2013 61 27 4 5 3 of the decided votersBaltic Surveys Gallup 15 23 Jan 2013 66 10 4 4 1 6 16 were undecidedTNS Opinion EuFo IPSC 15 20 Jan 2013 68 6 20 8 5 5 1 5 of the decided votersSociometer 31 Dec 2012 72 20 5 6 3 1 4 of the decided votersCriticism Edit Many have questioned the reliability of opinion polls in Armenia including the three main opposition candidates Raffi Hovannisian 32 Hrant Bagratyan 33 and Paruyr Hayrikyan 34 For instance Bagratyan called the Gallup International Association fake Gallup սուտի Գելափ in the interview to the Armenian service of Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty 35 making a reference to the organization s dispute with Gallup Inc over the name The comedy show ArmComedy named their 79th episode Albert Adibunts 36 referring to the head of Sociometer center Aharon Adibekyan who is often criticized by opposition politicians 37 Open access polls Edit Several open access polls such as online polls were conducted in this election A special website was created for this purpose Elect am According to the results there of more than 4 700 voters President Sargsyan had only 15 of the total vote while his main opponent Raffi Hovannisian had about 40 Hrant Bagratyan 11 and Paruyr Hayrikyan 4 The epic poetry expert Vardan Sedrakyan got 26 of the vote mainly by people who don t prefer any of the candidates 38 39 Another poll was conducted in the website of Aravot daily In the poll there Sargsyan had 12 of the vote while Hovannisian had 32 Bagratyan 17 Hayrikyan 4 40 Exit polls Edit The Baltic Surveys The Gallup Organization held an exit poll the results were 58 Sargsyan 32 Hovannisian 41 Results Edit Election results by electoral districts The main support of Hovannisian was from urban areas particularly in the second and third largest cities of Armenia Gyumri and Vanadzor 42 where Hovannisian won overwhelming support of the voters He also won in the cities of Ashtarak Ijevan Armavir Ejmiatsin Nor Hachn Abovyan Spitak Akhuryan Artik Kapan Yeghegnadzor Noyemberyan 43 Besides provincial towns Hovannisian also won in three districts of Yerevan Avan Arabkir and Ajapnyak 44 The results in rural areas was the opposite There Sargsyan won by far 45 Sargsyan received major support from Yerevan s Erebuni and Nubarashen districts where an army unit is located 46 CandidatePartyVotes Serzh SargsyanRepublican Party861 16058 64Raffi HovannisianHeritage539 67236 75Hrant BagratyanFreedom Party31 6432 15Paruyr HayrikyanUnion for National Self Determination18 0931 23Andrias GhukasyanIndependent8 3280 57Vardan SedrakyanIndependent6 2030 42Arman MelikyanIndependent3 5160 24Total1 468 615100 00Valid votes1 468 61596 64Invalid blank votes50 9883 36Total votes1 519 603100 00Registered voters turnout2 528 77360 09Source Central Electoral CommissionClaims of electoral irregularities Edit OSCE observer mission cited a correlation between very high turnout and the number of votes for the incumbent as a reason for concerns regarding the confidence over the integrity of the electoral process Several opposition politicians claimed there were irregularities with the voting list 47 Raffi Hovannisian talked about the high possibility of fraud caused by the fact that 700 000 Armenian citizens are on voter lists in the country but work outside this impoverished nation 48 Before the election campaign the OSCE ODIHR mission recommended the authorities to toughen legal punishment for vote buying and other irregularities and make voter lists more accurate 49 During and after the election numerous cases of violations of the electoral code were reported Raffi Hovannisian s campaign headquarters reported over 100 violations including open ballot non secret voting voter pressuring multiple voting etc 50 One of the local observer organizations iDitord created an online map of about 400 documented irregularities before and during the election day and vote counting 51 These include vote buying voter intimidation inconsistencies in voter lists violations of voting procedures and other fraudulent activities Amnesty International issued a public statement listing numerous irregularities during the elections and saying Amnesty International calls on the relevant authorities to carry out prompt and impartial investigations into all allegations of rights violations during the elections and hold those responsible to account The authorities must also guarantee the safety of participants at post election protests and public meetings 52 OSCE observation mission Edit On 2 March 2013 the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe election observers report pointed out that there is a correlation between very high turnout and the number of votes for the incumbent which raises concerns regarding the confidence over the integrity of the electoral process 53 54 The mission stated that in many precincts mainly in rural areas the turnout was implausibly high The opposition claims that this is a result of excessive use of administrative resources in remote rural areas and a fact that mayors kept villagers in total fear 55 On 5 March Ireland s former Minister for Justice OSCE observer Dermot Ahern wrote a letter where he talked about an evident discrepancy between the results he personally witnessed during the vote counting in Precinct 26 1 and the final official results 56 Among other inconsistencies he noted I could not understand then and still now how invalid votes can become valid Which made him to conclude that I feel that full re examination of this count should take place Reaction Edit Hovannisian and his supporters protest in Freedom Square Yerevan on 20 February 2013 Hovannisian Edit Main article 2013 Armenian presidential election protests Runner up Raffi Hovannisian didn t recognize the legitimacy of the election and on the night of 18 February 2013 he claimed victory in a press conference stating We all know that we have won continuing for the first time in 20 years the citizens have said yes to our constitution to the rule of law to democracy and our future 57 58 Mass rallies continued while on 10 March Hovannisian started a hunger strike and called on Sargsyan to resign Armenian diaspora Edit Groups of the Armenian diaspora protested the results and alleged fraud in front of the Armenian consulates in New York Los Angeles Paris Brussels and other major American and European cities 59 60 61 62 Serj Tankian lead singer of Grammy award winning Armenian American rock band System of a Down wrote an open letter to incumbent Sargsyan saying it s time for change after non government organizations reported widespread voting fraud 63 Citizens across Armenia are protesting the outcome of the elections and the injustice inherent in the political establishment He also urged Sargsyan to protect the country from its enemies as Those who steal elections from my people are domestic enemies that need to be punished 64 65 66 International Edit Supranational bodies European Union European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso congratulated Sargsyan stating that he welcomes the improved conduct of the elections and further progress in efforts to bring the democratic process into line with international standards 67 Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland in his congratulatory message stated that he is confident that Sargsyan will pursue the on going process of reforms to which you and your country are already committed with a view to securing its democratic stability and to ensuring full respect for the Rule of Law and for Human Rights in Armenia 68 NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen stated that NATO welcomes the progress made by Armenia since the last elections and trust further steps will be undertaken to address the remaining deficiencies 68 United States United States State Department spokesman Victoria Nuland stated the US congratulates the people of Armenia on their February 18 presidential elections which were judged by international observers to be generally well administered and characterized by a respect for fundamental freedoms including those of assembly and expression 69 On 25 February 2013 Secretary of State John Kerry congratulated Sargsyan on reelection and hoped that Armenia will continue to increase transparency promote multiple viewpoints in the mainstream media and encourage citizens active participation in reforms and governance as well as address the outstanding electoral issues raised by the OSCE 70 On 2 March 2013 President Barack Obama sent a congratulatory message to Sargsyan President Obama said he looks forward to continuing our work together as we both begin our second terms 71 Other countries Russia President Vladimir Putin congratulated Sargsyan on winning reelection 72 Georgia President Mikheil Saakashvili congratulated Sargsyan 73 Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad congratulated Sargsyan and wished prosperity and glory to the Armenian nation 74 Turkey President Abdullah Gul congratulated Sargsyan 75 France French President Francois Hollande congratulated Sargsyan His message read I am confident that it will strengthen your resolve to shape a democratic stable and prosperous Armenia which is living in peace with all of its neighbors 76 Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel congratulated Sargsyan and noted that she is confident that Sargsyan will allow to improve Armenia s relations with its neighboring countries on the east as well as on the west 68 United Kingdom British PM David Cameron congratulated Sargsyan wishing the best as you begin your second term in office I look forward to our two Governments working together for the mutual benefit of both our countries 77 Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych congratulated Sargsyan and stated that his years long work and efforts aimed at the improvement of the living standards of the Armenian people have been once again broadly supported by the citizens of Armenia 76 Other heads of states who congratulated Sargsyan include President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko 78 President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaite 76 President of Lebanon Michel Suleiman 76 President of Slovakia Ivan Gasparovic 76 President of Egypt Mohamed Morsi 76 President of Israel Shimon Peres 76 President of the Swiss Confederation Ueli Maurer 79 President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias 79 President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Truong Tan Sang 79 President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov 79 President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon 79 former President of Slovenia Danilo Turk 79 Criticism Edit Hovannisian who disputes the election s legitimacy denounced the congratulatory messages of foreign countries 80 stating that they can say whatever they want and that he will allow nobody to teach me lessons of American Western or Russian democracy and law because the Armenian citizens are the masters of our country 81 References Edit Julia Hakobyan 5 February 2013 Vote 2013 Political perspectives platforms promises Vote 2013 ArmeniaNow com Archived from the original on 2019 11 06 Retrieved 2013 06 14 Apathy before the presidential election 1in am 19 November 2012 Archived from the original on 25 November 2012 Retrieved 5 February 2013 Thousands protest in Armenia after president re elected Reuters 20 February 2013 Retrieved 21 February 2013 Is Armenia On The Brink Of A Barevolution Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty 28 February 2013 Retrieved 1 March 2013 Color Coding Orange or rose or apricot Barevolution is re shaping definition of post election conflict in Armenia ArmeniaNow 5 March 2013 Archived from the original on 7 March 2013 Retrieved 6 March 2013 Oskanian backs Hovannisian s protest calls for resignation of government ArmeniaNow 21 March 2013 Retrieved 22 March 2013 Armenian opposition chief on hunger strike over lost election Reuters 10 March 2013 Retrieved 12 March 2013 Decision 2013 Highest Court upholds Sargsyan victory ArmeniaNow 14 March 2013 Retrieved 14 March 2013 Hovannisian ends hunger strike attends Easter Service ArmeniaNow 31 March 2013 Retrieved 1 April 2013 Smolar Piotr 5 February 2013 President poised for re election in a disenchanted Armenia The Guardian Retrieved 22 February 2013 At the 14th RPA convention Serzh Sargsyan was nominated a presidential candidate Republican Party of Armenia 15 December 2012 Retrieved 15 December 2012 Tsarukian Will Not Run for President Asbarez 12 December 2012 Retrieved 12 December 2012 Former President Ter Petrossian Will Not Run In Armenian Election Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty 25 December 2012 Retrieved 5 February 2013 Hovhannisyan Irina 9 May 2012 ՀԱԿ ը Տեր Պետրոսյանից լավ նախագահի թեկնածու չունի The ANC doesn t have a better presidential candidate than Ter Petrosyan in Armenian Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty Retrieved 7 July 2012 ARF Dashnaktsutyun not to nominate presidential candidate News am 26 December 2012 Retrieved 26 December 2012 Registered candidates Central Electoral Commission of Armenia Archived from the original on 28 January 2013 Retrieved 22 February 2013 Aram Harutyunyan withdraws from presidential race A1plus 8 February 2013 Retrieved 11 February 2013 Aram Harutyunyan withdraws from the presidential race Public Radio of Armenia 8 February 2013 Retrieved 11 February 2013 Andrias Ghukasyan goes on hunger strike Public Radio of Armenia 21 January 2013 Andrias Ghukasyan continues the hunger strike Public Radio of Armenia 31 January 2012 Retrieved 5 February 2013 Hayrikian Shot Taken to Hospital Asbarez Retrieved 31 January 2013 Mkrtchyan Hasmik 1 February 2013 Assassination attempt in Armenia threatens stability Reuters Retrieved 5 February 2013 Paruyr Hayrikyan intends not to postpone election in order not to play into hands of hostile forces Armenpress 4 February 2013 Retrieved 5 February 2013 Paruyr Hayrikyan not to appeal to Constitutional Court for postponement of presidential election ArmInfo 5 February 2013 Retrieved 5 February 2013 Wounded Armenian Politician Against Postponing Election RIA Novosti 5 February 2013 Retrieved 5 February 2013 Paruyr Hayrikyan handed the open letter on having joint candidate to Andrias Ghukasyan Armenpress 9 February 2013 Retrieved 9 February 2013 Paruyr Hayrikyan s open letter A1plus 9 February 2013 Retrieved 9 February 2013 Intrigue Solved Hayrikyan turns to Constitutional Court says would call back his petition should oppositional candidates unite for the big run ArmeniaNow 10 February 2013 Archived from the original on 12 February 2013 Retrieved 10 February 2013 Mkrtchyan Hasmik 10 February 2013 Wounded Armenian candidate wants to delay election Reuters Retrieved 10 February 2013 Hayrikyan takes back application to postpone elections Armenpress 11 February 2013 Retrieved 11 February 2013 Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe The Protection of media freedom in Europe Archived 2016 07 02 at the Wayback Machine Background report prepared by Mr William Horsley special representative for media freedom of the Association of European Journalists Raffi Hovannisian Public opinion polls in Armenia are often far from objective reality Arminfo 25 January 2013 Retrieved 11 February 2013 Մենք ունենք մեր հարցումներ որով հաղթելու ենք Հրանտ Բագրատյան in Armenian 1in am 28 January 2013 Archived from the original on 3 April 2013 Retrieved 11 February 2013 Հայրիկյանը Ադիբեկյանի հարցումների մասին Նա փորձում է իշխանահաճո քայլեր ձեռնարկել in Armenian PanARMENIAN Net 11 January 2013 Retrieved 11 February 2013 Հրանտ Բագրատյան Հարցազրույց նախագահի թեկնածուի հետ in Armenian Azatutyun radio 27 January 2013 Retrieved 11 February 2013 ArmComedy 079 Ալբերտ Ադիբունց in Armenian Armenian Comedy 4 February 2013 Retrieved 11 February 2013 Pollster Tsarukyan appeals to female voters 19 October 2012 Retrieved 11 February 2013 Adibekyan who has been criticized for his biased surveys in the past Elect am Օնլայն քվեարկության արդյունքները in Armenian Mamul am 26 January 2013 Retrieved 17 February 2013 see the screenshot Archived March 9 2014 at the Wayback Machine from elect am as of 16 February 2013 see the screenshot from aravot am as of 15 February 2013 Armenian president secures re election exit poll Reuters 18 February 2013 Retrieved 18 February 2013 How Credible Are Official Results Of Armenian Presidential Election Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty 20 February 2013 Retrieved 22 February 2013 Որ քաղաքներում է հաղթել Րաֆֆի Հովհաննիսյանը in Armenian Lragir am 19 February 2013 Retrieved 23 February 2013 Hovannisian Sargsyan Ratio In Yerevan Lragir am 19 February 2013 Retrieved 22 February 2013 Very Interesting Voting In Armenian Villages Lragir am 20 February 2013 Retrieved 23 February 2013 Decision 2013 Election results show Hovannisian beating Sargsyan in several traditionally pro government constituencies ArmeniaNow 19 February 2013 Archived from the original on 22 February 2013 Retrieved 22 February 2013 Coalson Robert 15 February 2013 Armenian Citizens Abroad Clamor For The Right To Vote Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty Retrieved 18 February 2013 Brooke James 17 February 2013 After a Short Rocky Campaign Armenians Vote Monday for President Voice of America Retrieved 18 February 2013 OSCE Kicks Off Armenian Election Monitoring Asbarez 11 January 2013 Retrieved 11 February 2013 Raffi Hovannisian Campaign Headquarters Record of Violations as of February 19 2013 8 AM Hetq Online 19 February 2013 Retrieved 21 February 2013 iDitord DOCUMENT ARMENIA AUTHORITIES MUST INVESTIGATE ELECTION RELATED HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL 28 February 2013 Retrieved 10 March 2013 OSCE Observers Question Armenian Vote Results Armenian Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty 2 March 2013 Retrieved 6 March 2013 OSCE POST ELECTION INTERIM REPORT Sargsyan Stole the Presidential Election From Me The Moscow Times 14 March 2013 Retrieved 15 March 2013 OSCE Observers Question Armenian Vote Results Asbarez 11 March 2013 Retrieved 11 March 2013 Hovannisian Campaign Alleges Election Fraud Asbarez Asbarez 18 February 2013 Retrieved 19 February 2013 Decision 2013 Hovannisian says Sargsyan must accept people s victory ArmeniaNow 19 February 2013 Archived from the original on 22 February 2013 Retrieved 19 February 2013 February 24 Los Angeles March to Protest Phony Elections in Armenia Hetq Online 23 February 2013 Retrieved 1 March 2013 New York Armenians Protest Fraudulent Elections in Armenia Hetq Online 24 February 2013 Retrieved 1 March 2013 Action in support of Raffi Hovannisian held in Paris PanARMENIAN Net 9 March 2013 Retrieved 10 March 2013 Action to support Raffi Hovannisian in Brussels ArmInfo 11 March 2013 Retrieved 12 March 2013 Rock Star Confronts Armenian Leader as Rally Marks Deaths Bloomberg 1 March 2013 Tankian s letter to Sargsyan Civilnet am 26 February 2013 Archived from the original on 2 March 2013 Retrieved 16 March 2013 U S Rock Star Questions Armenian Poll Result Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty 26 February 2013 Retrieved 1 March 2013 Serj to Serzh Armenian American rock star casts doubts over Sargsyan s election victory urges change ArmeniaNow 26 February 2013 Retrieved 1 March 2013 EU Chief Congratulates Sarkisian Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty 25 February 2013 Retrieved 1 March 2013 a b c PRESIDENT SERZH SARGSYAN CONTINUES TO RECEIVE CONGRATULATIONS ON HIS RE ELECTION Office to the President of the Republic of Armenia 27 February 2013 Retrieved 1 March 2013 Armenian Presidential Elections U S State Department 20 February 2013 Retrieved 21 February 2013 U S Salutes Sarkisian s Reelection Armenian Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty 25 February 2013 Retrieved 25 February 2013 PRESIDENT SERZH SARGSYAN RECEIVED CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE USA BARACK OBAMA Office to the President of the Republic of Armenia 2 March 2013 Retrieved 5 March 2013 Vladimir Putin congratulated Serzh Sargsyan Armenpress 19 February 2013 Retrieved 21 February 2013 Decision 2013 Georgian president congratulates Sargsyan on reelection ArmeniaNow 20 February 2013 Archived from the original on 4 March 2016 Retrieved 21 February 2013 Mahmoud Ahmadinejad congratulated Serzh Sargsyan Armenpress 20 February 2013 Retrieved 21 February 2013 Decision 2013 Turkish President congratulates Sargsyan on election win ArmeniaNow 21 February 2013 Archived from the original on 22 April 2014 Retrieved 21 February 2013 a b c d e f g Serzh Sargsyan receives congratulations from foreign leaders Panorama am 22 February 2013 Retrieved 23 February 2013 British Prime Minister congratulates Armenia s president ArmeniaNow 6 March 2013 Retrieved 10 March 2013 Alexander Lukashenko congratulates Serzh Sargsyan on re election Public Radio of Armenia 20 February 2013 Retrieved 21 February 2013 a b c d e f PRESIDENT SERZH SARGSYAN CONTINUES TO RECEIVE CONGRATULATIONS ON HIS RE ELECTION Office to the President of the Republic of Armenia 26 February 2013 Retrieved 1 March 2013 Decision 2013 Hovannisian spurns Western salutations of Sargsyan win ArmeniaNow 26 February 2013 Archived from the original on 22 April 2014 Retrieved 1 March 2013 Hovannisian Condemns West For Congratulating Sarkisian Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty 26 February 2013 Retrieved 1 March 2013 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title 2013 Armenian presidential election amp oldid 1146758403, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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