Civil society calls for civilized pre-electoral campaign ahead of snap elections

Joint statement by Armenian CSOs, including EPDE members Transparency International Anticorruption Center Armenia and Helsinki Citizens' Assembly – Vanadzor

We, the undersigned representatives of civil society, are severely concerned about the hate speech and calls for violence, which are widespread in Armenia’s political landscape, and tend to be rising ahead of the snap parliamentary election. Problematic and dangerous speeches by both governmental and opposition circles are poisoning the public domain and overshadowing the discussion of essential and urgent state and social problems.

Spreading insulting labels about and cursing at political opponents and their supporters, disseminating conspiracy theories, lies, and misinformation, and instilling fear and mutual hatred are directly incompatible with the principles of democracy and fair elections. Public opinion polls are showing that the public are tired of this irresponsible conduct of the political circles and expect substantial and concrete steps to overcome the crisis. Citizens deserve a civilized pre-electoral campaign anchored in pluralism and respect for the opinions of others; a campaign that will enable them to make a choice based on a correct understanding of the abilities of and solutions proposed by the various political forces for overcoming the systemic crisis.

We urge the governmental and opposition political circles to refrain from practices that jeopardize the democratic principles and undermine the human rights values, and to exert political will and efforts in order to conduct free and fair elections, to form a legitimate government, and to make progress towards overcoming the political crisis. 

Signees:

Transparency International anti-corruption center
Helsinki Citizens Assembly-Vanadzor
Open Society Foundations Armenia
Asparez club of journalists
Analytical Center for Globalization and Regional Cooperation
Union of Informed Citizens
“For Equal Rights” NGO
Pink Human Rights Defender NGO
Martuni Women’s Community Council
Public Journalism Club
”Cinemart ” youth NGO
Centre for Community Mobilization and Support NGO
“Direct democracy“ NGO
Women’s Rights House NGO
Armenian Progressive Youth NGO
Civil Youth Center
Influential Citizen NGO
DiverCity NGO
“SHOGHER” children and youth center NGO
Journalists for human rights NGO
Contribution to Women and Children NGO
“Spitak Helsinki Group” NGO