The “Union of Informed Citizens” (UIC) NGO has filed a complaint with the Prosecutor General’s Office regarding alleged election violations by the ruling Civil Contract party (CP) in Etchmiadzin, where local elections are scheduled for November 16.
The complaint concerns a charitable event held on October 21 in Doghs village involving multiple CP candidates. Journalist Lia Sargsyan reported that residents were given valuable gifts, and a CP candidate was visibly present during distribution. The UIC asserts that this may constitute a criminal offense under Article 221 of Armenia’s Criminal Code, which prohibits candidates or parties from offering goods, money, or services to voters between the official announcement of elections and the announcement of results.
A separate report prepared by the UIC also accuses CP of using municipal employees from public utilities to campaign during work hours, using municipal equipment, and placing posters in prohibited locations—potential violations of Article 23 of the Electoral Code. The NGO claims that if these actions were ordered by a superior, it could also fall under Article 441 of the Criminal Code, involving abuse of official power for political gain.
The organization has demanded that the Prosecutor’s Office investigate the use of forceful authority, prosecute officials who misused public resources, and ensure that campaign activities do not breach attorney-client confidentiality laws.
UIC founder Daniel Ioannisyan sharply criticized CP’s campaign in Etchmiadzin and the adjoining Khoy area: “These CP members are acting more brazenly than Vardan Ghukasyan’s corruption in Gyumri ever did,” he said. He also mocked the authorities’ attempts to deflect attention by highlighting non-substantive issues elsewhere.
Meanwhile, “Homeland” party leader and former National Security Service chief Artur Vanetsyan expressed confidence in his team’s prospects in the upcoming Vagharshapat council elections, stating: “Our goal for the past five or six years has been to remove these authorities from power.”
Vanetsyan insisted CP has lost public support in Vagharshapat and nationwide: “Even if they try to use administrative resources, it won’t help them win,” he said. “Vagharshapat is our spiritual capital. A government acting against the Armenian Apostolic Church cannot win there.”
Vanetsyan emphasized that his party’s campaign will be peaceful and law-abiding, though he did not rule out political pressure or detentions by authorities.
Writer and public intellectual Khachik Manukyan has been nominated as the “Homeland” party’s candidate in Vagharshapat. The local elections, involving eight political forces, will be held on November 16. Campaigning runs from October 22 to November 14. Asset and income declarations for all candidates and parties must be published on the Central Electoral Commission’s website by October 30.
