YEREVAN. – By and large, the results of Monday’s presidential vote in Armenia correspond to the expected results, Caucasus Institute Director, political scientist Alexander Iskandaryan stated during a press conference on Wednesday.   

In his words, the vote percentage which was predicted for the election runner-up—opposition Heritage Party Chairman and former FM Raffi Hovannisian—, was high. But those who voted for Hovannisian are not so much his immediate supporters, but rather the opponents of the ruling authorities. And the needy, who did not see any other oppositional candidate, joined Hovannisian’s immediate supporters.

As per Iskandaryan, this reality became the result of Hovannisian’s active election campaign, which he conducted with classical methodology.       

“You cannot come to power, but you can gain significant [number of] votes and aspire for the role of the oppositional symbol. In addition, all the conditions for a successful campaign were created for Raffi Hovannisian, especially since the authorities did not wish to get 90 percent [of the ballots],” the analyst stated.

According to Iskandaryan, the election campaign was interesting, overall. The assassination attempt against presidential candidate, opposition National Self-Determination Union Chairman Paruyr Hayrikyan brought some “sparkle” to the campaign season.       

He noted that the high voter turnout was a result of the winter season, as those who work outdoors were sitting at home. 

As per the political scientist, the current political climate in Armenia differed from that of the previous presidential election that was conducted five years ago. 

“The authorities are trying, but why, is another question altogether,” Alexander Iskandaryan said, and noted that the situation following Monday’s vote is different. 

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