Religious figure makes political appeals, watchdog says

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Akanates observer group has stated that Archbishop Mikael Adjapahyan, head of the Shirak Diocese, made campaign-style appeals during interviews, which constitutes a violation of legal regulations.

According to Article 23, Clause 5 of Armenia’s Electoral Code, religious organizations are prohibited from engaging in election campaigning, whether as organized efforts or individual initiatives.

The law defines election campaigning as any activity aimed at persuading voters to support or oppose a candidate, party, or alliance.

“On March 23 and 24, Archbishop Mikael Adjapahyan of the Armenian Apostolic Church’s Shirak Diocese made campaign-like statements in interviews with ABC News and News.am , which violates the stated legal provisions. We urge all parties to adhere to the Electoral Code,” the observer mission declared.

Local elections in Gyumri are scheduled for March 30.