YEREVAN. - The European Union attaches a great importance to holding free and fair elections in Armenia, head of the EU delegation to Armenia Traian Hristea told the journalists.

“We expect the program of training election officials to be effective. Well-prepared election commissions will assist in holding the elections properly and avoid violations,” Hristea said adding it is necessary to establish conditions for proper elections.

The program was implemented by the OSCE Office in Yerevan and financed by the EU (1.7 million euro).

Eight political parties and one block have presented their nominations – Republican Party of Armenian, Prosperous Armenia Party, Orinats Yerkir, opposition Armenian National Congress, opposition Heritage Party, ARF Dashnaktsutyun, the Communist Party of Armenia, Democratic Party of Armenia and United Armenians Party.

For entering the National Assembly, parties must poll over 5% of votes, while blocs - over 7%.

The election campaign will be held till May 5 - the day prior to elections when campaigning is banned. The parliamentary elections will be held from 8 am to 8 pm on May 6, 2012.