YEREVAN. – Head of EU delegation to Armenia Piotr Switalski urged Armenian citizens not to be exposed to temptation of selling their vote during parliamentary elections.
The diplomat conveyed five messages to Armenian voters: “The first message is: go and vote. I know that many Armenians do not have confidence that their vote can account, they are disillusioned having bad experience in the past. I want to say openly this time we will do everything so that your vote can count. Secondly, believe strongly that your vote will be secret and anonymous. There is nothing in voter identification and cameras that will disclose your choice. Your choice will remain secret,” the diplomat said.
The third message of the Ambassador is not to be exposed to temptation of selling your vote: “You may be approached by people offering money, services, and promises. I hope very much that they will refuse such temptation, there is no money that can be really worth selling your vote, it is your future”.
The fourth message is “be brave and do not let be intimidated. You may be exposed to threats and violence, be smarter than the guys who think they can manipulate you.”
And finally, if the voters see something wrong, Mr. Switalski calls not to be afraid to speak up, approach law enforcement agencies, “even if you do not believe that they will take resolute action.”
“But it is their duty, and I know they feel responsibility. They have to react in order to stay credible. Share it with observers. There will be plenty of observers, as unprecedented number of international and domestic observers will be present. Every polling station will have observers,” he added.
