Serge Sargsyan, MIAK, and Vardan Mamikonyan

Today was St. Vardanants Day and this being pre-election campaign time, a march of not more than 2,000 people towards the statue of the great Armenian hero, Vardan Mamikonian, was effectively led by none other than the prime minister, Serge Sargsyan. Accompanying him were head of the Central Bank of Armenia, Tigran Sargsyan (no relation), and Yerevan Mayor, Yervand Zakarian.

Of course, the electoral code prohibits officials from campaigning for candidates, but it’s not clear whether the prime minister was there in an official capacity or as a presidential candidate. One journalist says that Sargsyan never usually takes part in commemorating the day and so one can only view his presence as one of those “gray areas” which always seem to taint and afflict elections in Armenia.

Moreover, not only was the MIAK party of Sargsyan’s new advisor, Levon Martirossian, present, but head of the Ararat Diocese, Archbishop Navasard Kchoyan, made specific mention of Sargsyan, perhaps leaving very little doubt for the reason of his attendance this year. Some photographs will come later, but for now, A1 Plus also covered the event and posts a few photos.

Young representatives of “MIAK” party danced under the monument of Vardan Mamikonyan, wearing scarves written “MIAK” and “Go Ahead Armenia”. They were wearing coats on which you could read “I give my vote to Serge Sargsyan”.

[…]

The Head of the Ararat Hayratayan Diocese Navasard Kchoyan talked about Vardanants’ courage, underlining the Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan: “We are glad that the hero Serge Sargsyan has gone on a pilgrimage with us”, said the Head of the Ararat Hayratayan Diocese Navasard Kchoyan and concluded his speech with Serge Sargsyan’s slogan “Go Ahead Armenia”.

To the question why he pointed out Serge Sargsyan’s name, Navasard Kchoyan responded: “Among the participants of today’s march the only hero is Serge Sargsyan. I would, of course, point out other heroes as well, if they were present today”.