International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) conducted monitoring of pre-election period for 2 October, 2021 Local Self-government Elections. The first interim report covers the composition of election commissions, the Advisory Group to the CEC, the appointment of new CEC members, and the election environment and media environment. 

In its preliminary report, Promo-LEX reports these elections were generally organized efficiently. The number of incidents on the day of the parliamentary elections decreased insignificantly compared to the presidential election of autumn 2020, (Round I by (-22) and Round II by (-40) incidents). Unconfirmed reported incidents of voter bribery and organized transportation of voters were observed particularly in connection with the electoral process in the Transnistrian region.

According to the Akanates observation mission, election day saw engaged and active participation from citizens. The process was fundamentally organized, smooth, and without serious violations. Nevertheless, a number of polling stations had a palpable level of tension, mostly due to the presence of unauthorized persons inside the polling station. Although violations were noted by representatives for multiple parties and alliances, the majority of violations involved representatives of the Armenia Alliance. The PVT projection for final turnout is 49.3%.

The Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (CALC) condemned the illegal and irresponsible decision of the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) made on 5 June to open only 139 polling stations abroad for the early Parliamentary Elections of 11 July 2021. The decision has been amended and the number has been increased to 146, but observers note the minimum number should have been 150. They criticize the CEC for not applying the legal criteria provided for in the Electoral Code for establishing polling stations abroad and the opaque decision-making of the CEC.

In this interim report, Promo-LEX highlights important aspects of the legal framework relevant for these elections and risks to the conduct of elections, including the impact of COVID-19 and the manner in which government funds for the organization and conduct of the elections are being allocated. The report highlights the importance of early voter registration to determine the number and location of polling stations abroad and for voters in the Transnistrian region, as well as an increased use of hate speech being used during the pre-election and election period.

Restrictions imposed on freedom of movement and freedom of assembly due to the COVID-19 pandemic during the first round of the election forced presidential candidates to run their campaign mostly via traditional and social media. PAF found that media outlets were far more active on Facebook than candidates. Candidates had a relatively limited ability in reaching wider audiences and will have to diversify their channels of communication beyond social media to reach other voters.