CEC clarifies: Political campaigning not restricted to official  "Pre-election period"

ArmInfo. The establishment of an official "pre-election period" does not prohibit political forces from engaging in campaigning at other times,  provided those activities do not violate the Electoral Code, as noted  in a statement issued by the RA Central Electoral Commission.

The statement notes that  on March 28-29, the Central Electoral  Commission of the Republic of Armenia, in partnership with the CoE  Yerevan Office, held a two-day seminar  for media representatives  accredited to cover the elections. Journalists were provided with  detailed information on legislation, including the regulation of  pre-election campaigning, election monitoring, and election coverage.

"We would like to remind you once again that election campaigning is  regulated by Articles 19-23 of the Constitutional Act on Elections.  The pre-election period is defined by the Electoral Code as  the  period during which, in order to ensure equal opportunities for  parties (party blocs) and candidates participating in the elections,  the rules established by the Electoral Code regarding the use of  public resources, the conduct of the election campaign, and financial  transparency are applied. In the case of the elections to the  National Assembly, which will be held on June 7, 2026, the  pre-election period lasts from May 8 to June 5. Pre- election  campaigning is prohibited on the day before the vote, June 6, and  until 8:00 pm on election day.  Outside of these times, political  forces and  figures are free to conduct their campaigning. The  Electoral Code specifically provides that the establishment of a  pre-election period does not limit campaigning during other periods  not prohibited by the Code.

We emphasize once again that during  the pre-election period, any  political party is allowed to campaign, meet with citizens, travel  within Armenia's populated areas, and carry out any actions that are  not prohibited by the legislation of the Republic of Armenia. We also  remind you that the candidate nomination periods for the National  Assembly elections scheduled for June 7, is from April 13 to April  23, and the registration deadline is May 3.

We urge our media partners to adhere to the provisions of the  Electoral Code and constitutional law when covering the National  Assembly elections and  refrain from spreading misinformation about  the role and functions of the Central Election Commission," the  statement reads.