Pejović on the elections in Armenia: Political polarization, concerns about possible hybrid threats...

The upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia are taking place in a politically dynamic environment, which is attracting great attention from the domestic and international public, said Jevrosima Pejović, a member of the Parliament of Montenegro.

Today's statement from the Parliament of Montenegro states that Pejović spoke at an introductory meeting ahead of the parliamentary elections in Armenia.

"At the beginning of the introductory meeting of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly observation mission, during which Jevrosima Pejović, Vice-Chair of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Committee on Political Affairs and Security and Head of the OSCE Parliamentary Election Observation Delegation, addressed the audience, the importance of the upcoming electoral process for the democratic development of the country and strengthening citizens' trust in democratic institutions," the Assembly said in a statement.

In her address to the participants of the observation mission, Pejović said that the upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia are being held for the first time since 2018, and that it is of particular importance that the electoral process be conducted in a manner that enjoys the trust of all participants and citizens.

"During preparatory activities and meetings with representatives of institutions, political entities and civil society, certain challenges accompanying the electoral process were highlighted, including pronounced political polarization, concerns regarding possible hybrid threats and issues related to the conduct of the election campaign," said Pejović.

According to her, international observers will have a series of meetings with relevant interlocutors in the coming days to gain a comprehensive insight into the political environment, legal framework, the work of the election administration, and the overall circumstances in which the elections are being held.

"The address expressed gratitude to the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) for the professional preparation of the mission and successful cooperation with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, with the belief that joint efforts will contribute to a credible and successful international observation mission," the Assembly said in a statement.

Parliamentary elections in Armenia will be held on June 7th, and will be monitored by around 100 parliamentarians from more than 30 countries. The OSCE PA will monitor the upcoming elections in Armenia for the twelfth time since the beginning of its observation activities in the country in 1995.