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            US to Armenia: Check Out Reports of Referendum Problems

   by Reuters

   The United States urged Armenia on Tuesday to investigate any credible
   reports of irregularities in a weekend referendum in which preliminary
   results showed voters approving a strengthening of the prime minister's
   powers.

   The changes envisaged in Sunday's referendum, which are due to come
   into force after elections in May 2017, would curb the role of the
   historically powerful president and give more authority to the Armenian
   prime minister and parliament.

   The opposition has said the changes are a ruse to let President Serzh
   Sarksyan take on an enhanced prime ministerial role at the head of the
   Republican Party after his presidential term ends in 2018. He has
   denied that. His supporters have said the changes are needed to prevent
   political instability.

   According to preliminary results, 63.35 percent of people who voted
   Sunday supported the proposed changes, more than the simple majority
   needed.

   Observers from the Council of Europe rights group reported problems
   with voting lists and other irregularities, and said the low turnout
   suggested many voters saw the referendum as a piece of political
   maneuvering.

   "We are concerned by allegations of electoral irregularities reported
   by nonpartisan observers and various Armenian political parties," State
   Department spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

   "We urge Armenian authorities to investigate fully all credible reports
   ... of irregularities to ensure the integrity of the referendum's
   outcome," he added, saying the issues raised were similar to those
   reported in previous Armenian elections and should be addressed to
   maintain public confidence in the vote.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/united-states-armenia-check-out-repor
   ts-referendum-problems/3094607.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/united-states-armenia-check-out-reports-referendum-problems/3094607.html