U.S. Election Technical Assistance
Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisyan, Central Election Commission (CEC), Yerevan, Republic of Armenia © Onnik Krikorian / Oneworld Multimedia for EurasiaNet 2007
After last week’s visit to the Central Election Commission (CEC) to photograph the arrival of transparent ballot boxes from Syria, I returned yesterday to photograph the signing of an agreement between IFES, the U.S. Embassy and the Armenian Government for the provision of 10 computers and related equipment for the election.
IFES will handover the equipment during a ceremony at the CEC headquarters at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, April 25. Several high-ranking dignitaries will attend the event, including Armenian Prime Minister Serge Sargsian, U.S. Charge d’Affaires Anthony Godfrey and the Chairman of the Central Electoral Commission Garegin Azaryan.
IFES Chief of Party to Armenia Chedomir Flego said the equipment should greatly improve the transmission of elections results and the speed of communication between the CEC and Territorial Electoral Commissions.
“This equipment will modernize and make more efficient the process and will have a very significant impact on the clarity of the polls because it is during the process of transmitting election results from the Territorial Electoral Commissions to the Central Electoral Commission that it must be as accurate as possible,” said Flego.
The donation of computers and other equipment is part of IFES program to provide technical assistance to the CEC. IFES’ program aims to promote elections reform and the adoption of technology in order to improve the voting process for Armenian citizens.”
Given that democratic elections are a two-way street, I was particularly impressed by what Godfrey had to say, especially as because in lieu of a U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, he effectively represents Washington here. Anyway, as he points out, it is as much about citizens demanding democratic elections and protecting their right to vote as it is the authorities showing the political will to hold them.
This seems particularly poignant after the last post and widespread voter apathy and cynicism in Armenia.
This Project is another important milestone in the Armenian government’s continued commitment to modernizing the elections process for its citizens. Our assistance to the CEC is an important part of the over $6 million USG assistance related to the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections. As a result of this assistance, citizens of Armenia will be more easily integrated as participants in the elections process.
Under this project, IFES and the CEC have trained 366 members of all 41 Territorial Election Commissions. Beginning in late April, over 17,000 members of all 1,923 Precinct Election Commissions will also be trained. The computers that we are presenting today will be used by the CEC to support communications with TEC and election results processing and help minimize the time between when the polling stations close and results are announced.
I am hopeful that, with these technical improvements and the training provided to virtually all election officials, Armenian citizens will see a significant improvement in the administration of the upcoming elections. All of the tools are in place for Armenia to hold elections that meet international standards. However, it is not only the authorities’ responsibility to ensure free and fair elections. I also want to emphasize the role that citizens, themselves, play in this process.
I urge every eligible Armenian voter to check that they are correctly registered to vote, and to exercise that right to vote on elections day, May 12th. By voting, Armenians not only safeguard that vote from possible manipulation but also have a voice in their country’s leaders and future plans. The U.S. Government is proud to be part of this project and we look forward to witnessing continued progress for the benefit of all Armenians.
Incidentally, my interview with Chedomir Flego, Chief of Party for IFES in Armenia, is here. There’s also something on IFES technical assistance to help disabled voters participate in the May parliamentary election here.
Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisyan with CEC Chairperson Garegin Azaryan, Central Election Commission (CEC), Yerevan, Republic of Armenia © Onnik Krikorian / Oneworld Multimedia for EurasiaNet 2007
U.S. Charge d’Affairs Anthony Godfrey with CEC Chairperson Garegin Azaryan, Central Election Commission (CEC), Yerevan, Republic of Armenia © Onnik Krikorian / Oneworld Multimedia for EurasiaNet 2007
Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisyan, Central Election Commission (CEC), Yerevan, Republic of Armenia © Onnik Krikorian / Oneworld Multimedia for EurasiaNet 2007
Comment by Onnik — April 26, 2007 @ 3:38 pm
Comment by Onnik — April 26, 2007 @ 3:55 pm