YEREVAN. – The first day of my hunger strike in the open air went normally and corresponded with my perceptions. Armenian presidential contender Andreas Ghukasyan, who declared on Monday a hunger strike for an indefinite time, told news reporters on Tuesday.      

“I will continue the hunger strike until the state reviews its decision and deprives incumbent President, [ruling Republican Party] RPA leader, Serzh Sargsyan from the right to run in the [presidential] election [to be held on February 18]. [And] if the international observers announce about ending their [election observation] mission, they will affirm that Armenia is not a democratic country,” Ghukasyan said, and noted that he will call off his hunger strike in that case, as well.    

The presidential candidate added that presidential contenders Raffi Hovannisian—who heads the opposition Heritage Party—and Aram Harutyunyan—who leads the National Accord party—came to visit him on the first day of his hunger strike, and urged him to end the hunger strike so as not to harm his body.  

Also, Andreas Ghukasyan informed that his election team will get to work in a little while.