Within the framework of Armenia’s ruling Civil Contract party’s election campaign, with the participation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the “Akanates” (“Eyewitness”) Observation Mission on Wednesday recorded cases of abuse of administrative resources, violation of the ban on political activity in general education institutions, and involvement of minors in campaigning in Aparan community, Armenian News-NEWS.am was informed by the “Akanates” Observation Mission.

The mission’s observers recorded on the spot that the principals and teachers of a number of schools in the aforesaid community and neighboring settlements participated in the event in an organized manner during working hours and during classes.

It is even more worrying that, on the direct orders of teachers and the administration, schoolchildren were taken out of their classes to meet the prime minister and ensure their participation in the campaign event. Flags were distributed to the children, and the schoolchildren were given mandatory instructions in advance regarding their appearance, clothing, and hairstyle.

The “Akanates” observers personally witnessed how the heads of some schools and teachers gave instructions in a loud and strict tone during telephone conversations, demanding to ensure the mandatory and organized participation of children. According to confirmed data, the Tsaghkashen village school principal not only exempted students from classes to participate in the rally, but also distributed T-shirts with symbols associated with the ruling Civil Contract party and its political campaigning to the children.

The mission’s observers documented that the organizer of the recruitment of children and employees was Edgar Parvanyan, the deputy governor of Aragatsotn Province. He actively coordinated the movement of people on site, personally welcomed the children, distributed campaign flags to them, and gave clear instructions to those present on who should be stationed where during the event.

The mission also recorded the organized presence of private sector employees, in particular, the staff of the Gntunik company, at this political event.

“Akanates” Observation Mission records that the engagement of general education institutions in election processes, the suspension of the educational process, and the use of minors as a political backdrop contradict the principles of depoliticization of educational institutions and international standards for democratic elections.

According to Armenia’s law on general education, it is prohibited to carry out political activities or campaigning in educational institutions, and the country’s electoral code prohibits the organizing and implementation of election campaigning by employees of educational institutions while exercising their powers, or acting in their official capacity.

Such abuse of power and official position by a person holding a public office and the school administration is subject to strict legal assessment.

As reported earlier, teachers and students from several schools in Armenia’s Aragatsotn Province on Wednesday were brought by buses to the election campaign of the ruling Civil Contract party in Aparan city—moreover, during class hours. One of these teachers had told Armenian News-NEWS.am that classes were shortened for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

Source: https://news.am/en/news/1035062