‘A vote for the future’: Armenian president casts his ballot in snap elections

Armenian President Armen Sarkissian casted his ballot in the early parliamentary elections underway in Armenia since Sunday morning, strongly hoping the elections will be free and fair.

He voted at the polling station 9/59 in Yerevan with his spouse Nouneh Sarkissian.

Sarkissian first congratulated people on the election day. “This is a significant day when people should express their will. It's the right time for people to decide what kind of country they want to live in and determine the future of their families,” the president told reporters.

“So, the message is simple: congratulations to all!” he said, expressing hope the Armenian citizens will mark this holiday by heading to polls to cast their ballots in a free and unrestrained manner, regardless of the fact which political force they will vote for.

“I hope these elections will be free fair; a vote for the future. Every voter should judge with his conscience, thinking about the responsibility that he bears,” he said.

“Everyone is responsible for the future of our country – the president, prime minister, national assembly, but first of all every citizen. This is the moment for every citizen to demonstrate responsibility and commitment,” Sarkissian stressed.

2010 polling stations opened across Armenia on Sunday morning as the country is holding early parliamentary elections. The polls will close at 8pm.

Eleven political forces, including nine parties and two blocs, are running for parliament.