EcoLur
The further it goes, the more the course of presidential election campaign deviated from the usual format and beat in Armenia. Presidential candidate Andreas Ghukasyan’s hunger strike, which continues for already 15 days, was accompanied by an unprecedented assassination attempt on presidential candidate Paruyr Hakobyan. Expressing deep concern and sympathy to the wounded, we would like to draw attention to the statement of those responsible for the electoral process: according to our legislation, the course of election can be changed, if the candidate makes an application in this regard, while the statement should lay down that indisputable obstacles have emerged to hold the election campaign.
Not going deep into legal niceties it should be mentioned that obstacles have emerged, i.e. the election race gathers pace, but the press and public opinion are already not so concerned with election program. They are more concerned who visited the wounded candidate at hospital, what kind of comments they gave. All this happens taking into consideration that the official race lasts from 21 January to 16 February, less than a month. During these several days the candidates’ visits to the hot regions of Armenia were left without any attention. Serzh Sargsyan visited Gegharkounik and Kotayk regions, Raffi Hovhanissian visited Vayots Dzor and Syunik regions. Interests of parties clash in these regions. The people have become more active and is willing to present its demands, but the election program and promises by the candidates have taken a backseat, while the election program states what our future president promises us for upcoming 5 years.
February 04, 2013 at 15:34