YEREVAN. – The U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern will personally monitor the parliamentary elections on Sunday, the Ambassador said on Wednesday.

The American diplomat stressed importance of the upcoming elections for Armenia and its partner-states. Heffern also claimed that foreign representatives may cooperate to hold elections on good level, anyway, it is local and Armenians should deal with the issue.

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.