YEREVAN. – This election in Armenia very much differs from the previous by its nature and quality, and it is very ahead of the other elections in terms of interest and other respects. National Security party Chairman Garnik Isagulyan—who used to be ruling Republican Party presidential candidate, incumbent President Serzh Sargsyan’s National Assembly representative—stated this during a press conference on Thursday.

He noted that, in the case when the previous elections had two phases—that is, pre-election and post-election—, the forthcoming presidential vote, on the other hand, has four main phases: pre-election, nominations, campaign, and post-election.        

In Isagulyan’s view, the pre-election phase had begun much earlier, specifically during the parliamentary election in May 2012, when a variety of coalitions were being formed. As per the politician, during the nomination phase this intrigue continued until the very last day. He noted that the campaign phase had a unique style, and the media did not discriminate against any presidential contender.    

“An intrigue came about especially due to the assassination attempt against [presidential candidate, opposition National Self-Determination Union Chairman] Paruyr Hayrikyan. I am confident that the election will end with one round; the favorite is the serving president, Serzh Sargsyan,” Isagulyan said.  

He added that the president to be voted into office is being elected owing to using his personal capacity, and it would be very good if he feels himself open.

“Incumbent President Serzh Sargsyan is the key bearer of the result of this election, and it would be very good if he were to utilize this fact in human resources and other matters,” he said.    

To note, Garnik Isagulyan-led National Security party supports Sargsyan in the February 18 election. 

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am