The electoral process that has started in Armenia is taking place in an atmosphere of unprecedented political activity, high participation, and harsh mutual accusations. After the end of voting, the leaders of the country's leading political forces, former presidents, and candidates for prime minister made statements summarizing their expectations, the features of the electoral struggle, and their own visions for the country's development.
Political players are unanimous on one question: these elections have historical and fateful significance for the state.
1. Agenda of radical changes and national identity
The leader of the 'Armenia' bloc, the second president of the RA Robert Kocharyan, clarified the value system for which he made his choice after voting. According to the president, his vote is aimed at creating a protected, secure, and prosperous Armenia focused on preserving national identity.
Kocharyan highly assessed the opposition's chances of winning, emphasizing that radical reforms are expected in the country.
“There will be developments; if you are familiar with our program, then there will indeed be radical changes. Last time our mandates were not enough to achieve the goal... as a radical opposition force, I believe there is no doubt that we are the most radical.”
2. 'Smart Armenia' and geopolitical stability
The candidate for prime minister from the 'Armenian National Congress' (ANC) Levon Zurabyan emphasized the decisive nature of the elections, calling for a transition to 'smart' state governance. Zurabyan's foreign policy vision is aimed at transforming Armenia from a theater of confrontation of great powers into a regional transit hub that will bridge the East and West, North and South.
In the context of the ANC's programmatic provisions, Zurabyan highlighted:
Economic leap. Transform Armenia into a technological paradise and eradicate poverty.
Legal state. Supremacy of law and Constitution, democracy, as well as cessation of persecution of clergy and political opponents.
Cultural context. Merging identity and historical-cultural values.
3. Criticism of the abuse of state resources and prospects for a change of power
The third president of the RA Serg Sargsyan expressed sharp criticism. He emphasized that during his political career he had never seen such unprecedented interference of the state apparatus in the electoral process. According to Sargsyan, there has been an open 'squandering' of state resources and funds at the highest level.
Commenting on the possible smooth transfer of power after the elections, the third president noted:
“If the opposition forces win according to the voting results, no one can take their votes away from those opposition forces, no one can.”
4. Ambitions of new forces and coalition limitations
The candidate for prime minister from the 'Republican Party of Armenia' Gurgen Simonian stated that their political force is ready for three possible scenarios of event development (extra-parliamentary activity, parliamentary transition, electoral victory). Simonian rated their chances of passing to parliament quite high, at 70% or more.
At the same time, he clearly outlined the 'red lines' of political coalitions, excluding any alliance or cooperation with the political forces of the three former presidents and the current prime minister.
“Forming a coalition is excluded, but let’s say, if a bill is brought that aligns with our program, then why not, we can vote for that bill.”
According to Simonian, one of their main goals is to ensure a stable future for society, balanced peace, and to eradicate the encouragement of drug addiction and gambling in the current state system.
5. Record participation and change of electoral tactics
The leader of the 'Bright Armenia' party Edmon Marukyan and the head of the 'Prosperous Armenia' party (PAP) Gagik Tsarukyan noted the unprecedented high activity of voters and the queues formed at polling stations.
Edmon Marukyan emphasized that political forces managed to mobilize the people. He expressed hope that the political content would return to parliament, which would spare the country from shocks. Speaking about arrests at the electoral level, Marukyan noted that there are no detainees from their team, as they refused physical headquarters (which he called 'the essence of provocation') and worked exclusively on digital and social platforms.
Gagik Tsarukyan expressed confidence that the united opposition will definitely defeat the current government. “Let’s see who collects the most votes; that one will propose their candidate for prime minister,” he noted, adding that the people are tired and striving for tangible improvements in their living standards.
6. Restoration of subjectivity and legal signals
Particular attention deserves the statement of businessman and politician Samvel Karapetyan, who emphasized the importance of forming legitimate power so that the future of the country is determined internally, rather than by external centers. He noted that the large influx of international media indicates that Armenia has become a 'normal subject' for the world. Karapetyan also expressed concern about the existing legal atmosphere in the country, noting that he was 'brought' to the elections.
In the context of legal and civil oversight, Arman Tatoyan also provided his assessment. He called these elections a historical opportunity that should not be missed.
“Often it is better to do something and regret it than to do nothing and regret it.”
Tatoyan assured that their team is closely monitoring all incoming signals and, together with partners, will apply all tools to prevent any loss or falsification of citizens' votes.
Thus, the course of the elections shows that public and political mobilization has reached its peak. Although the approaches of political forces and perceptions of post-election scenarios differ, the main struggle revolves around ensuring state security, changing the economic model, and restoring legitimacy. The counting of votes will show which of the proposed visions the citizens of Armenia trust.
