The head of Sociometer sociological center commented on the accusations of the representatives of NKR presidential candidate Vitaly Balasanyan’s electoral headquarters suggesting the results of election-related opinion polls have been manipulated, in line with incumbent president Bako Sahakyan’s instructions.

Aharon Adibekyan further refuted the claim that his forecasts could have affected the outcome of presidential elections.

According to Adibekyan, his forecast as to no run-off to be expected proved correct, as did the fact that Bako Sahakyan will win, though without gaining 85% of votes, with Balasanyan garnering a minimum of 20% of votes. “I could have refused to give figures and say, instead, “Ladies and gentlemen, Bako Sahakyan will be the one to win the presidential race”,” the expert noted.

According to preliminary results of the Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) Republic’s Central Election Commission, 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.