OSCE/ODIHR 13 long-term observers will accomplish their mission during the pre-election period in Yerevan, with 250 short-term observers to visit provinces, the head of the mission said.

Asked if the major political forces’ decision to leave the race would hamper the democratic process of the elections, Heidi Tagliavini said it’s still early to draw conclusions.

She further said that the mission is concerned over the election process, rather than the outcomes.

“We will focus on the level of the compliance of the election process with the international standards,” Ms. Tagliavini said, adding that meetings with presidential candidates, party leaders and media representatives are due prior to the polls.