Vox Pop: Komitas Market

This isn’t meant to be representative of society in general, but it does represent the views of everyday citizens regarding the coming presidential election. However, it should only be taken as the views of individuals. The precise reflection of views, attitudes and support for the nine candidates participating can only be known in a free and fair democratic vote on 19 February 2008. At the very least, however, it does represent a break from always shooting pre-election campaign rallies.

Given that there was yet another power outage in Komitas today, it also presented an opportunity to find something else to do by visiting the local market, commonly referred to as the “Dashnak Shuga” because of ownership, and also by the large number of Vahan Hovannisian posters stuck on the front of the main building it would seem. In the summer, the market is awash with color and activity, but in the winter it is a cold, bleak and dark place with few traders and about as many customers.

Inside, there were only half a dozen traders, for example, sitting in freezing temperatures without heating because they can’t afford to run electric heaters for the eight hours a day they work. None were particularly optimistic or even interested in the coming presidential election as Rima, a trader selling assorted spices, explained.

What’s the point in voting. I’m a trained nurse and I’ve been working here for twenty years instead. Nothing has changed, and nothing will.

Another trader, Knarik, agreed.

All the candidates promise to change the situation, but they never do. Besides, it’s not possible to change anything through elections so what’s the point in voting? Levon Ter-Petrossian? I’ll never vote for him. I remember him and know only too well who and what he is.

Photos: © Onnik Krikorian / Oneworld Multimedia 2008