The impact of elections on democratic processes in Armenia

Abstract

This paper is based on the results of the Policy Internship Project conducted at the Center for Regional Development / Transparency International in Armenia. There has been a global surge of democracy throughout the world. Democracy means the power of the people, by the people, for the people, but for having that power citizens must possess skills, embody the values, and manifest the behaviors that accord with democracy. Armenia, as one of the former Soviet republics, had to face all the hardships of transition from the beginning of the reforms. Democratic processes started in Armenia after gaining independence in 1991, but they still do not ensure the full-fledged display of the key requisites of democracy. This paper is aimed at studying the relationship between democratization process and the role of elections in that process, as well as seeing how the bribery and abuse of public office for personal gain can demolish the notion of having free and fair elections. The results of the research revealed that it is not enough for the country to improve just one aspect of democratic governance without paying attention to others. For having a maximum impact all conditions need to be present, such as transparency, accountability and active public participation.