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Seven differences in presidential elections

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  • Seven differences in presidential elections

    Seven differences in presidential elections

    05:58 pm | January 18, 2013 | Politics


    Experts in Armenia say that the upcoming presidential election differs
    from the previous five elections as February 18 is not like any of the
    previous elections.
    After studying the upcoming and previous elections we have singled out
    seven characteristics, showing the main differences between the
    presidential elections.

    1. The opposition named its candidate in the 2008 election, and no one
    doubted his political affiliation. [Armenia's first President] Levon
    Ter-Petrosyan had returned to the political arena to destroy the
    kleptocratic pyramid led by people he had brought to Armenia. Today,
    we do not know which of the seven candidates represents the opposition
    and the pro-government forces.

    2. In 2008, all regional TV companies, with the exception of
    Gyumri-based Gala TV, refused to air presidential campaign commercials
    saying they are not profitable.

    3. Today, the authorities do not see real contenders, hence the need
    to intimidate the rival's teammates. In 2008, we had the opposite
    picture: stones were thrown at Ter-Petrosyan's supporters during a
    campaign meeting in Artashat and Ter-Petrosyan's election office in
    Kapan was closed down by the Chief of Police. Cases of election
    bribery are expected to considerably reduce in February's ballot.

    4. None of Serzh Sargsyan's contenders is seeking support from Russia
    or the West.

    5. None of the candidates is viewed as a serious challenger to the
    pro-government candidate, with the latter's supporters gathering
    outside his election headquarters and calling for the banishment of
    the `dangerous' man from Armenia.

    6. For the first time the authorities are not forced to pledge to
    conduct free, fair and transparent elections while in 2008 Serzh
    Sargsyan entered into the presidential race with the pledge and gave
    the pledge in all his campaign rallies.

    7. None of Serzh Sargsyan's challengers is capable of mobilizing the
    supporters of his rivals, as well as representatives of the
    legislative power. Finally, the businessmen enjoying the favor of the
    authorities will not turn to the authorities and express their anxiety
    that the strong opposition movement could threaten the country's
    economic life.

    Mher Arshakyan

    http://www.a1plus.am/en/politics/2013/01/18/experts

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