YEREVAN. – Election fraud is not limited solely to what occurs in the polling station on election day, said US Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills, during his talk with chairman Arthur Baghdasaryan of the Armenian Revival Party (ARP), on Thursday.

They discussed the ongoing electoral processes in the lead-up to the forthcoming parliamentary election in the country, ARP informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Baghdasaryan stressed the need for holding free and transparent elections in Armenia. Also, the ARP leader noted that he underscores the role of diplomatic missions and international organizations in conducting a comprehensive election monitoring.

Ambassador Mills, in turn, said they hope the new technical equipment—which is installed in Armenia’s polling stations—will reduce the chances of election fraud on election day, and help increase voters’ trust in the electoral process and election results in Armenia. 

As per the US diplomat, it is important, however, to remember that election fraud may cast a shadow also on the climate of the current election campaign in the villages and towns of the country.

Richard Mills added that when making a final assessment on the election results, the international community will consider all aspects of the electoral process. 

The parliamentary election in Armenia will be conducted on April 2.