Parliamentary elections in Armenia were open, free and competitive - CIS observers.

Parliamentary elections in Armenia were open, free and competitive, said head of CIS Interparliamentary Assembly observation mission Vladimir Garkun.

“I believe it was an important step in strengthening of democracy and pluralism in Armenia,” he said.

According to him, the election process was fully consistent with Electoral Code. At the same time he pointed at certain violations registered by CIS observers.

“I mean the violations disclosed by our observers but not those mentioned by media,” Garkun added.

He pointed out the passport stamps problems in certain polling stations. Meanwhile, the head of mission said that Central Electoral Commission immediately responded to the reports.

“There were some queues but they can be probably explained by active voter turnout during certain hours,” he emphasized.

A total of 31,418 observers from 53 local organizations and 647 representatives from 11 international organizations and foreign embassies monitored Sunday’s elections.

Eight political parties and one bloc participated in the parliament elections in Armenia: Republican Party of Armenian, Prosperous Armenia Party, Orinats Yerkir, Armenian National Congress, Heritage Party, ARF Dashnaktsutyun, the Communist Party of Armenia, Democratic Party of Armenia and United Armenians Party. For entering the 131-seat National Assembly (Parliament), the parties must poll over 5% of votes, while blocs - over 7%.