Azerbaijan, Baku, Feb.20 / Trend, S.Ahmadova /
The U.S. supported the conclusions of the OSCE ODIHR observer mission in their preliminary conclusions that the elections were generally well administered, however, there were some serious violations that obviously need to be investigated, the U.S. Department of State's Spokesperson Victoria Nuland said at a daily press briefing on Tuesday.
"ODIHR was concerned about some lack of impartiality on the part of public administration officials and the misuse of administrative resources that resulted in a blurred distinction between the activities of the state and those of the ruling party. But in general, election day was calm and orderly and it was marked by undue - that in general, it was marked by a calm process," Nuland said.
She said ODIHR also noted that the media fulfilled their legal obligation to provide balanced coverage and all contestants made use of their free air time.
Presidential elections were held in Armenia on Feb.18. Armenian incumbent President Serzh Sargsyan won the presidential elections scoring 58.64 per cent of the votes. First Foreign Minister of Armenia Raffi Hovannisian ranked second scoring 36.75 per cent of the votes, Former Prime Minister Hrant Bagratyan ranked third scoring 2.15 per cent.