Home > 1.3.1.1.3 Surveys > ARMENIA- Electoral Code
 
 
 
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Article 22
 

Prohibition of Influencing the Free Expression of Citizens’ Will

 

1. Journalists and editorial staff of Public Radio and Public Television, as well as of other radio and television companies, who are registered as candidates, shall be prohibited from covering the elections and hosting radio and television programs.

2. During pre-election campaign, national and local self-government officials and

employees, as well as employees of public media and media founded by local selfgovernment

bodies shall be prohibited from using their authority (rights) with the purpose

of influencing the free expression of citizens’ will by creating unequal conditions for

candidates and showing partiality. If nominated as candidates, these individuals shall

make use of public media and media founded by local self-government bodies in

accordance with procedures set out in this Code.

3. When publishing results of sociological surveys on the ratings of candidates and parties

(party alliances), or organizations publishing such results shall be required to specify the

name of the organization that has conducted the survey, the timing of the survey, the

number of respondents, the sample type, the data collection method and location, the

exact wording of the question, the statistical estimate of the possible margin of error, as

well as who has commissioned the survey, and who has financed the publication of its

results. Publication of results of sociological surveys on the ratings of candidates and

parties (party alliances) during the seven days preceding the voting day, including until

8:00 pm on the voting day, shall be prohibited.

 

22.1. Restrictions on Pre-Election Campaigning by Candidates Who Occupy Political or Discretionary Positions or Are State Servants, Civil Servants or Local Self- Government Servants

Candidates, who occupy political or discretionary positions or are state servants, shall conduct their pre-election campaign on general grounds, subject to restrictions imposed by this Article:

1) Campaigning in the process of performing one’s official duties or any abuse of official position in order to gain advantage in elections shall be prohibited;

2) The use of premises, vehicles, means of communication, material and human resources, which are provided for the performance of one’s official duties, for campaign purposes shall be prohibited, with the exception of measures applied to high-level officials who are subject to protection under the Republic of Armenia Law on “Security of Persons Subject to Special State Protection.” Such candidates shall use state property for campaign purposes on general grounds.

3) Coverage of the activities of such candidates by the mass media shall be prohibited, with the exception of cases described in the Constitution, official visits and receptions, as well as actions taken by such candidates during natural disasters.