Live Blog: Armenia Votes For President

Exit polls conducted by Gallup International (no, not *that* Gallup) say President Serzh Sarkisian has won a second five-year term. Ahead of the vote he was projected to win with nearly 70% of the vote. Exit polls have him at around 60%.

60.05% of eligible voters have voted according to official data released by Central Electoral Commission #armvote13 ow.ly/hOStF

— Artur Papyan (@ditord) February 18, 2013

Today at polling station #2/08:

Activist Artur Minasyan announced, "No to the criminal regime, freedom to the political prisoner Arakelyan" before eating his voting ballot.



Arakelyan, a leader of the opposition Armenian National Congress' youth wing was accused of attacking officers maintaining public order in the city center in August 2011. All of the activists except Tigran Arakelian were set free but may also be imprisoned pending their appeal.

Up until 20:00, 60.1% of voters voted, reports CEC #armvote13 #Armenia

— CivilNet.AM (@CivilNetTV) February 18, 2013

Via RFE/RL's Armenian Service:

Reported ballot stuffing at 17/5 polling station.

A good summary by RFE/RL's Armenian Service: "Authorities Declare Armenian Vote Clean Amid Opposition Complaints"

BREAKING: Exit poll shows Armenian President Serge Sarkisian re-elected for a second term.

— The Associated Press (@AP) February 18, 2013

The polls have now officially closed. The first official results on turnout are expected to be announced at 12:00 local time, 15:00 EST.

15 minutes before the poll stations close. #armvote13

— Vachagan Gratian (@vgratian) February 18, 2013

Via RFE/RL's Armenian Service:

“We are seeing the best ever presidential elections with minimal violations,” says Eduard Sharmazanov, spokesman for ruling party.

49.81% of eligible voters have voted by 17:00 according to the Central Electoral Commission #armvote13

— Ազատություն ռ/կ (@armenialiberty) February 18, 2013