YEREVAN. – The authorities are aghast because it turns out that AMD 8 million (approx. $19,805) election collateral is sufficient to change power in Armenia. National Accord party Chairman and presidential nominee Aram Harutyunyan stated this during a press conference on Saturday.    

Also, he proposed to take a retrospective look at Armenia’s foreign policy.

To the query as to what will his first decrees be should he become president as a result of the February 18 elections, Harutyunyan responded:

“A first step is in need for the country, which [that is, the step] is the political will. [Incumbent President and presidential candidate] Serzh Sargsyan’s program is not bad; [but] he simply does not have a political will.”

Also, Aram Harutyunyan said the authorities would be very happy if he were to drop from the presidential race right now. But he noted that he underscores the election campaign and supports the idea that all presidential hopefuls—except for Sargsyan—withdraw their nominations ten days before the elections. He did not rule out the possibility that he likewise could abandon the presidential race during that time.