July 20, 2007 - 16:08 AMT
Observers of unrecognized republics highly assessed NKR elections
Observers from CIS-2 (Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Transdnistria) gave a positive assessment to the presidential elections in Nagorno Karabakh. They were especially impressed by the appearance of the voters.
"Elections in Karabakh were free and fair. It's obvious," said Batal Kobakhia, the Abkhazian parliament member.
At the same time he voiced regret that the public sector in Karabakh did not properly fulfill its function and as result, only 2 local organizations were registered in the CEC as observers, the Caucasian Knot reports.
According to the preliminary data provided by the NKR CEC, 71 285 voters (77,36% of 92 152 registered voters) participated in the presidential elections. Bako Sahakyan is leading with 57 828 votes (85,42%). He is followed by former Deputy FM Masis Mailyan with 8 270 votes (12, 21%). NKR MP Armen Abgaryan is the third with 856 votes (1,26%). Communist Hrant Melkumyan garnered 539 votes (0,8%). Lecturer Vanya Avansyan concludes the list with 22 votes (0,3%).