YEREVAN. – The political situation at the onset of the 2013 presidential election in Armenia is different in many ways and it contains new elements as compared to the starting phase of the previous elections. Armenian Center for National and International Studies analyst Edgar Vardanyan stated this during a press conference on Wednesday.    

He noted that Armenia was undemocratic before the tenure of the ruling Republican Party’s presidential candidate—and incumbent President—Serzh Sargsyan, and it remains undemocratic during Sargsyan’s term in office. 

“Serzh Sargsyan selected the tactic of ‘soft’ manipulative policy to secure his reproduction [to power], and he is inclined to use the administrative resources,” Vardanyan said, and stressed that Sargsyan and his team have created a “lightweight” image for the other presidential contenders. 

“[But] regardless of the election course, there is a chance in Armenia for the forming of a new political situation because when people start thinking about how to change the situation, they ultimately achieve it, especially when they meet an impasse,” the analyst said.      

Edgar Vardanyan noted that if Armenia’s oppositional presidential candidates wish to achieve success in the forthcoming election, they need to contribute to the formation of a powerful democratic movement. And if such movement were to be formed, it will be possible to beat the regime. In this case, as per the analyst, the concept of “against the regime” could become the uniting factor for the body politic.         

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am