YEREVAN. – The main task of Armenia’s ruling Republican Party (RPA) is not only winning next February’s presidential elections but, also, to hold them freely, fairly and transparently, RPA MP Hovhannes Sahakyan said during a press conference on Thursday.     

Reflecting on the recent consultations among the country’s leading political forces, Sahakyan noted that these discussions are without foundation. “There cannot be any talk about a single [presidential] candidate [for the opposition], or joint steps. These political forces are [simply] attempting to find a place in the existing domestic political situation and agenda,” he argued.  

In the RPA MP’s words, the Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) has not yet presented a clear view on whether or not it will support President and RPA leader Serzh Sargsyan in the elections. Also, he noted that RPA is prepared to run in the elections on its own assets.    

In response to the query on the likelihood of covert PAP supporters—including National Assembly Speaker Hovik Abrahamyan—in RPA’s ranks, Hovhannes Sahakyan said: “Hovik Abrahamyan is a long-standing Republican [Party member] who has greatly contributed to the establishment of the party, [and] the strengthening of the party structures.”