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Armenian president triumphs in 'uncompetitive' polls

Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian Tuesday celebrated a crushing victory in elections for a second five-year mandate but his rival alleged violations and observers complained the polls lacked competition. Sarkisian, a shrewd former military officer in power since 2008, won Monday's polls in the small ex-Soviet state nestled in the Caucasus mountains between Turkey and Iran with 58.64 percent of the votes.

Armenia president set to win re-election: exit poll

Armenia's incumbent President Serzh Sarkisian was set for a triumphant re-election Monday against a weakened opposition in polls seen as a crucial democratic test for the ex-Soviet state. Sarkisian, president since 2008, was set to win another five-year term with 58 percent of the vote, an exit poll by Gallup said after close of polls. His nearest rival, former foreign minister Raffi Hovannisian, was set to come second with 32 percent. Former prime minister Hrant Bagratian was on course for three percent as was the Soviet-era dissident Paruyr Hayrikyan, the exit poll said.

Armenia leader: Canny chess player with soldier's steel

Armenia's President Serzh Sarkisian derives much of his popularity from a strongman image as a veteran of the war with Azerbaijan but is also a chess fanatic whose canny foreign policy resembles moves on a chess board. Sarkisian's militaristic background is seen as the prime explanation for the popularity which is expected to see him win Monday's presidential poll, being held at a time of fresh tension with its neighbourhood foe Azerbaijan.
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