The official observer mission of the International expert Center for Electoral Systems (ICES) characterized presidential polls in Nagorno Karabakh as free expression of popular will, in line with international electoral standards.

As the mission head Alexander Tsinker stated in Stepanakert, the elections were held in an atmosphere of democratic and competitive struggle, with high voter turnout reported.

No electoral frauds were noted at ICES-monitored electoral districts or while handing over the protocols to Central Electoral Committee, the observers noted.

Also no disturbances occurred during the polls, with no attempt to undermine voting procedures taken.

According to preliminary results of the Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) Republic’s Central Election Committee, the incumbent leader, Bako Sahakyan, gained 47 085 (66,7%) of the votes to win the presidential race.

His major rival Vitaly Balasanyan garnered 22 966 (32,5%) of votes while Arkady Soghomonyan received 594 (0,8%) of votes.