YEREVAN. – Monday’s presidential voting in Armenia came to prove yet again that the authorities are unable to conduct free and fair elections. Presidential contender, “Radio Hay” Company Manager, and political scientist Andreas Ghukasyan—who on Tuesday ended his hunger strike, which he had started on January 21 and under the slogan “Stop Fake Elections”—issued a statement that includes the aforesaid.   

“It became apparent that the [ruling] Republican Party has exhausted all of its political opportunities to lawfully govern. During the vote, more than half a million citizens rose against the ruling regime.    

The decisive moment has come, when the people should decide, on their own, the political future of the country.

The consolidation of [Armenia’s] citizenry and political forces could form a National Transitional Council, which will assume the task of conducting free elections in the country. 

I call [upon you] to unite and not permit anyone to yet again spoil the people’s aspiration for a democratic and rightful Armenia,” Andreas Ghukasyan’s statement reads in particular.