Home > 6 Political parties > ARMENIA- Joint Opinion on the Election Code
 
 
 
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Paragraph 38
 

The separation of state resources from party and/ or candidate resources has been a chronic problem cited in every OSCE/ ODIHR election report since 1996.[12] The governing party network controls not only national government but also the governors' offices and local self government in most regions. During a national election, the resources that are under the control of these offices are called into play to campaign on behalf of the government candidates. This creates a disparity in resources available with the added problem of creating the perception that employees are obligated to work for, attend rallies on behalf of and vote for the government candidates for fear of their employment. This practice is neither in conformity with the Code of Good Practice in Electoral Matters, where the principle of equality of opportunity entails a neutral attitude by state authorities[13] nor with OSCE commitments which call for a separation of party and State and campaigning on the basis of equal treatment.[14] Some changes to the current code could serve to clearly delineate the line between state and party resources.