Independent Observer reports violations in Gyumri, Parakar campaigns

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Independent Observer coalition, comprising the NGOs Direct Democracy, Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Vanadzor Office, and Union of Informed Citizens, has been conducting long-term monitoring of the upcoming local self-government elections scheduled for March 30 in Gyumri and Parakar.

Several significant violations have been documented during the observation period.

On March 13 and 14, Martun Grigoryan, head of the Our City bloc, published videos showing free street paving (gravel spreading) in Gyumri being carried out in his name. This act is interpreted as providing free services, charity, and campaigning—potentially constituting a criminal offense under Article 221 of Armenia’s Criminal Code. The coalition has filed a complaint with the Prosecutor General’s Office, requesting a criminal investigation and legal assessment of Grigoryan’s actions.

On March 16, it was revealed that the Civil Contract party had failed to remove at least five billboards placed prior to the start of the campaign. These advertisements should only appear in locations designated by the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) to ensure equal conditions. Additionally, dozens of large posters from Civil Contract and several from Our City were found illegally affixed to residential buildings. These actions violate Paragraphs 6 and 2 of Article 21 of the Electoral Code. The coalition has appealed to Gyumri’s municipality and the CEC, demanding the immediate removal of the unlawful advertisements.

On March 19, the Civil Contract party organized a meeting with Sarik Minasyan, who heads its electoral list. Citizens who had previously registered to meet with Minasyan in his capacity as acting mayor were invited. According to reports, Minasyan used personal data—such as phone numbers—from municipal records to issue invitations, which observers say contravenes both the Electoral Code and the Law on Personal Data Protection. The coalition plans to appeal to the CEC and the Ministry of Justice’s Personal Data Protection Agency, seeking penalties in line with Articles 40.8(2) and 189.17(1) of the Electoral Code.

On March 21, Andranik Tevanyan, leader of the Mother Armenia bloc, organized an Armenian-Russian economic forum. During the event, Russian State Duma deputy Oleg Matveychev of the United Russia party stated that Gyumri’s elections were of strategic importance to Russia and that the ruling Russian party supports the Mother Armenia bloc. In response, the Independent Observer and Akanates missions issued a joint statement condemning this as unlawful foreign interference. The coalition intends to appeal to the CEC, demanding penalties against foreign individuals involved in campaigning under Article 40.8(2) of the Electoral Code.

In another observation, the Independent Observer coalition noted that its former partner, the Gyumri Progress NGO—previously involved in joint monitoring—now appears to have connections with one of the political forces running in the election. Other coalition members were unaware of this affiliation. Emphasizing the importance of impartiality and integrity, the coalition confirmed that Gyumri Progress is not participating in the current observation mission.