From: Abe Rein (ARein@sorosny.org)
Date: Fri Feb 21 2003 - 14:36:14 EST
ARMENIAN OPPOSITION CLAIMS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION WAS ILLEGAL...
Several defeated Armenian presidential candidates or their
representatives said on 20 February that they will make use of all legal
means at their disposal to have the outcome of the previous day's ballot
nullified, according to Arminfo and Noyan Tapan, as cited by Groong.
Aghasi Arshakian, a spokesman for National Unity Party Chairman Artashes
Geghamian, and Center for Strategic Initiatives Head Aram Karapetian
alleged ballot-box stuffing and other violations and said they do not
consider the vote legitimate. Democratic Party of Armenia Chairman Aram
Sarkisian, Hanrapetutiun leader Aram Sargsian, and former Foreign
Minister Raffi Hovanissian told an opposition rally in Yerevan of some
10,000-15,000 people that they will not allow People's Party of Armenian
Chairman Stepan Demirchian to be deprived of his "legitimate victory."
Following protests in Yerevan by thousands of Demirchian's supporters,
Central Election Commission Chairman Artak Sahradian announced on
National Television on 20 February that a second round of voting will be
necessary between incumbent President Robert Kocharian, who garnered
49.8 percent of the vote, and Demirchian, who placed second with 27.7
percent (see "RFE/RL Newsline," 20 February 2003). LF
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