Voices from Civil Society

When there is no longer any independent media outlet left in Armenia either online or not, blogs should play an increasingly important role in facilitating a diversity of views and opinions especially at times of election. In a sense, that is what this presidential election monitor was set up to achieve — the dissemination of a variety of views and opinion in one location.

When the ill-fated and short-lived parliamentary election blog was set up a few months ago through CRD/TI Armenia, this is what Mary Joyce, an e-democracy advocate and co-author of the Election Blogging Guide, had to say on the matter.

Election blogs form an important alternative space for people to talk about politics. Although traditional media such as television, radio, and the newspapers are often biased or are afraid to publish certain news, blogs offer an opportunity for free speech. Through anonymous blogging as described in the Guide, both bloggers and commentators can even speak more freely than the traditional media. In addition, bloggers can act as citizen journalists, reporting news on election irregularities and fraud which the traditional media might not be doing.

Anyway, with a presidential election due in the very near future, the 2008 presidential election monitor is interested in making its pages available for others to express their opinion or to raise awareness of activities related to the vote. Although this blog is in English, it’s audience already includes senior representatives from international organizations working in Armenia, local staff workers employed by local and international NGOs, prominent journalists focusing on the South Caucasus, and everyday citizens of the Republic of Armenia as well as ethnic Armenians living in the Diaspora.

So, if you have something to say on the presidential election please feel free to leave a comment. Members of civil society or representatives of international organizations here in Armenia are particularly encouraged to submit opinion pieces on what they think are crucial issues relating to the 2008 presidential election. Please note, however, that as this blog is not funded it is not possible to pay contributors for their work. Nevertheless, it is one possible medium through which individuals and organizations can raise awareness of important issues and also highlight their involvement in the democratic process.

Announcements will be considered, but there is no guarantee that they will be posted. However, as part of its interest in covering all aspects of the presidential election, it is possible that this blog might cover and report on such activities in an independent capacity. Oneworld Multimedia also welcomes information pertaning to the election sent in confidence and guarantees the anonymity of the source. For more information or to send any materials or announcements, please contact onewmphoto@yahoo.com.