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ARF-D RULES OUT SUPPORT OF GOVERNMENT-BACKED CANDIDATE IN ARMENIA PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
tert.am
26.12.12
The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Dashnaktsutyun (ARF-D) does not
rule out any way of guiding its supporters in the 2013 presidential
election in Armenia.
The only thing the party rules out is supporting the government-backed
candidate, Aghvan Vardanyan, Secretary of the ARF-D parliamentary
group, told journalists on Wednesday.
One more option is voting against all the candidates, he said.
Armen Rustamyan, Head of the ARF-D parliamentary group, said that
the party clearly named its preferred candidate.
"That would have been our candidate. So we do not have great
expectations, and it is too early to announce our support for any
candidates. Let us see the candidates' behavior and further development
and then we will decide on our further steps," he said.
He disagrees with opinion that the ARF-D may support Heritage party
Chairman Raffi Hovannisian as he agreed with the ARF-D-presented
7-point agenda.
"Not only Raffi Hovannisian, but also many others agree with this
agenda. That will not be the end, and February 18 will be followed
by February 19. Even if this candidate does not win, we will move on
the basis of their platform," Mr Rustamyan said.
Mr Vardanyan, in turn, explained the ARF-D's decision not to nominate
its own candidate. The primary reason is the corrupt election practice
in Armenia, as well as shadow economy.
The second reason is that an opposition front failed to be formed.
Also, participating in the elections when results are pre-determined
would mean following the pre-constructed scenario, whereas the ARF-D
is an independent force.
As to why the ARF-D is not boycotting the elections, Mr Vardanyan
said: "We are a political force and have no right to discredit the
institution of elections."
Arsen Hambartsumyan, an ARF-D Supreme Body member, said that the lack
of conviction and honesty failed them to unite.
"Publicly approving an allegedly secret agenda and simultaneously
holding open discussions on supporting certain candidates is
unacceptable to us," he said.
Mr Rustamyan noted that the opposition's only mistake is that it is
unable to unite.
The speakers are unanimous that Armenia's authorities will not have
to make huge efforts to rig the 2013 presidential election.
tert.am
26.12.12
The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Dashnaktsutyun (ARF-D) does not
rule out any way of guiding its supporters in the 2013 presidential
election in Armenia.
The only thing the party rules out is supporting the government-backed
candidate, Aghvan Vardanyan, Secretary of the ARF-D parliamentary
group, told journalists on Wednesday.
One more option is voting against all the candidates, he said.
Armen Rustamyan, Head of the ARF-D parliamentary group, said that
the party clearly named its preferred candidate.
"That would have been our candidate. So we do not have great
expectations, and it is too early to announce our support for any
candidates. Let us see the candidates' behavior and further development
and then we will decide on our further steps," he said.
He disagrees with opinion that the ARF-D may support Heritage party
Chairman Raffi Hovannisian as he agreed with the ARF-D-presented
7-point agenda.
"Not only Raffi Hovannisian, but also many others agree with this
agenda. That will not be the end, and February 18 will be followed
by February 19. Even if this candidate does not win, we will move on
the basis of their platform," Mr Rustamyan said.
Mr Vardanyan, in turn, explained the ARF-D's decision not to nominate
its own candidate. The primary reason is the corrupt election practice
in Armenia, as well as shadow economy.
The second reason is that an opposition front failed to be formed.
Also, participating in the elections when results are pre-determined
would mean following the pre-constructed scenario, whereas the ARF-D
is an independent force.
As to why the ARF-D is not boycotting the elections, Mr Vardanyan
said: "We are a political force and have no right to discredit the
institution of elections."
Arsen Hambartsumyan, an ARF-D Supreme Body member, said that the lack
of conviction and honesty failed them to unite.
"Publicly approving an allegedly secret agenda and simultaneously
holding open discussions on supporting certain candidates is
unacceptable to us," he said.
Mr Rustamyan noted that the opposition's only mistake is that it is
unable to unite.
The speakers are unanimous that Armenia's authorities will not have
to make huge efforts to rig the 2013 presidential election.