But anyway, the point is that change will only come when people attempt to use the law, judgments are made, and then assessments on whether there is progress or not.

Sorry, I don’t consider optimism or pessimism to be the issue here. It’s just logical as far as I can see although yes, the outcome can be either optimistic or pessimistic.

I am sure they will stage a few huge rallies, protest it in CC, then it will quietly go down, with LTP becoming yet another looser oppositioner, much like VM. But most importantly the case is closed for 50 years to come, or may result in a cataclysm.

However, I only visited seven or so polling stations in Yerevan which are not necessarily representative of the whole country and so I will have to ascertain what the true picture is by reading a lot of different sources, considering whether any evidence is provided, and in particular, wait for the reports from It’s Your Choice and the OSCE/ODIHR EOM.

On the other hand, one concern. Really, I saw only one observer conduct a parallel voter count which is REALLY NOT NORMAL for ANY election I’ve seen in Armenia (and I’ve seen three plus one referendum) and I’m still not sure why this was the case. Nobody is disputing turnout, ok, but even so, it should have been conducted in my opinion.

Anyway, a few more things to say which I’ve forgotten for now. Trying to upload pics on an appalling dialup connection at 12.40 am and so I should get on with that. More later.

As for their opposition credentials, I won’t go that far, but it is interesting to note that the new head of the pro-Sargsyan MIAK is Orinats Yerkir press spokesperson from last year. Still, I suppose defections happen, but even so.

I am very disappointed in Orinats yerkir; I did not expect that from them.

That’s not to say that I don’t believe such things could happen. Not at all. However, there needs to be documented proof. On the other hand, one matter of concern for me today. Not once did I see any OSCE/ODIHR observers in any of the seven polling stations I visited throughout the day.

From my experience going from polling station to polling station last year, this strikes me as very unusual and not normal from past experience. I’m also personally concerned by the fact that various people were in polling stations without identification. Actually, they were domestic observers or proxies, but even so, they need to be identified so that people are aware of who’s who.

Obviously, such a situation also makes it possible for others to loiter in polling stations without the right to be there.

WOW!

I actually went in and came out because it was impossible to move or see anything all the places had been taken and especially at a higher level where the station could actually be photographed.

So, unlike for Kocharian and Sargsyan they could leave their spots when Ter-Petrossian left the polling station but couldn’t for Kocharian and Sargsyan because their spots inside the polling station would have been taken. On the other hand, very smart move by Ter-Petrossian to come after Kocharian, Oskanian and Sargsyan. Maybe he understood that rather than just coincidental.

57,14% have attended polling stations by 5 p.m.

19.02.2008 18:07 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Central Electoral Committee goes on the air every three hours during the day. After midnight information will be provided every hour.

According to the RA Police, 2 328 320 voters may participate in the elections. The Armenian Central Electoral Committee has registered 13 428 observers, including from 39 local and 6 international organizations.

The preliminary results will be announced on February 20 no later than 8 p.m. The final outcomes of the elections will come in 7 days.