YEREVAN. – Armenian presidential contender Andreas Ghukasyan, who is on a hunger strike ever since January 21—and under the slogan, “Stop Fake Elections”—, released a statement. 

“The ruling party [of Armenia] is distributing election bribe and coercing the citizens yet again to vote for them [in the presidential election to be conducted on February 18]. According to the information we have received, the party in power is attempting to purchase Armenia’s political future by [dolling out] close to 5 billion drams [approx. $12,258,270]. 

The international [election] observers will shoulder a huge moral and political responsibility, if they claim that the election process is consistent with international standards.  

We find that the February 18 voting results will not reflect the will of the people. Therefore, the candidate who is declared winner on that day will not be empowered to represent Armenia. We forewarn all states that the statements made, and the international documents signed, by that person, who illegitimately occupies the Office of the President of Armenia, will not have any legal force for Armenia.

Following the election, we will sum up the actions of this period and start a new political process in Armenia. We are convinced that, by way of widespread civil disobedience, the citizenry will achieve a victory over the criminal-oligarchic system and establish democracy in the country,” Andreas Ghukasyan’s statement specifically reads.           

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am