ZHARANGUTYUN STILL UNDECIDED

YEREVAN, JANUARY 31, ARMENPRESS: A parliament member from the opposition Zharangutyun (Heritage) party said it will hardly urge its supporters to support a concrete presidential candidate in the February 19 poll.

Larissa Alaverdian, Armenia’s first ombudswoman, said her party’s governing board was still examining the election manifestoes of all nine candidates and may later say which of them is closer to its own approaches and stance.

Before this is said the party, according to Mrs. Alaverdian, will side with all those candidates who will need its support, more likely the opposition candidates, “ because they reflect the weak wing of the political field.”

She then referred to the lack of political culture in this country, complaining that this election campaign is also far from being civilized.

Zharangutyun is one of only two opposition parties represented in Armenia’s parliament. Its leader, U.S.-born Raffi Hovhanesian, was denied registration as a presidential candidate because he does not meet a residential qualification.

Larissa Alaverdian denied rumors that Raffi Hovhanesian was offered Yerevan mayor post complaining also that her party is not perceived by public at large as a new apportion force.

Earlier this month Raffi Hovhanesian indicated that he and his Zharangutyun party will not endorse any of prime minister Serzh Sarkisian’s four main election challengers before the first round of voting slated for February 19.

http://www.armenpress.am

http://www.echannel.am/?topic_id=1226

Basically, I think both parties should clarify the situation now although it will be interesting to hear what Baghdasarian says tomorrow during his Liberty Square rally.