Armenia: Ways Out of the Domestic Political Crisis

Hetq Online recently convened a small round table discussion where ways out of the current post-election political crisis were considered by Ruben Hakhverdyan, Ashot Khachatryan, Hayk Minasyan, and Edik Baghdasaryan. Among the possible solutions offered was the idea of holding early parliamentary elections.

The Caucasian Knot also believes that along with an independent inquiry into the 1 March clashes, such a move is not only logical, but also necessary. However, it requires mature political thinking from all those interested in pursuing a democratic path for Armenia as well as genuine oversight from the international community.

H.M. - There is one thought on everyone’s mind - new Parliamentary Elections. They’ve created a coalition that has 125 seats in the Parliament. Let them call for new elections, what are they so afraid of? All the political parties in the coalition state that they are for free and fair elections, including the ARF-D. They now find themselves in a coalition where they have the opportunity to monitor the actions of the others. Everything would be settled if a one-stage process of free elections could take place.

E.B. - I would think that if special parliamentary elections were declared they would have to take place one year from now. All sides would be able to use the time to prepare for the campaign, etc. The opposition will not be able to get its act together in a shorter period of time. On the other hand, Serzh Sargsyan would be given ample time to take steps in order to garner the confidence of the people. Also, he’d become the person responsible to guarantee free elections. In the end, if they are concerned about the government, they have to take certain steps to that end.

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E.B. - OK, who is supposed to raise the issue of special parliamentary elections? Neither the coalition nor the new president will go down this route.

H.M. - The ARF-D can raise this issue and if their proposal is rejected they must withdraw from the coalition. In any event, the new coalition will not last long. It’s clear that the other three parties will not take the route of compromise, but the ARF-D can force them to do so. […]

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A.Kh. - I’m stating that we can reach the level of a category #1 country in the span of 30 years or so. Perhaps that must begin today - with rebellion, the formation of a new political force and a crash course in political science. We must get used to the idea that in order to reach one’s goal takes a lifelong systematic work approach. It is vital that the cornerstones in this effort be that of patience and professionalism. Even if you know that tomorrow might end in your destruction you still have to do what is needed today.