The Central Electoral Commission (CEC) of Armenia on Sunday tested the technical equipment that registers voters.

CEC Chairman Tigran Mukuchyan, Government Chief of Staff-Minister Davit Harutyunyan, US Ambassador Richard Mills, EU and UN representatives as well as NGO members followed this testing in Semyonovka village of Gegharkunik Province, where council of elders’ election was taking place.

The Armenian News-NEWS.am reporter also was on hand at the voting. 

CEC Chairman Mukuchyan spoke to us, and provided detailed information on how this equipment works.

Accordingly, the voter approaches the specialist, presents an identification document, the specialist scans this document with the said equipment, and the data on the voter is displayed on screen. If the voter has come to cast ballot for the first time, a green light is displayed on screen, and this individual is permitted to vote. If the voter has come to vote again, a red light is displayed on screen, and the specialist shall immediately call the police. And if it turns out that the voter is not an elector of the given election precinct, a yellow light is displayed on screen, whereupon this voter will have to cast his ballot at the precinct where he is registered.

“The use of this equipment will definitely contribute to increasing public confidence [in elections in Armenia],” added the CEC chief.

Government Chief of Staff-Minister Davit Harutyunyan likewise is confident that this technical equipment will make substantial changes in the electoral climate in Armenia. 

“[Public] confidence will definitely increase because these devices enable to ensure transparency [during elections],” he added.

Donor organizations have assisted Armenia in purchasing this technical equipment.

These devices will be used in full for the first time in the country during the next parliamentary election, which is slated for April 2.