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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
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