YEREVAN. – Armenia’s President, Serzh Sargsyan, sees three options for opposition Heritage Party leader, former FM Raffi Hovannisian—who is declared runner-up to the winner, incumbent President Serzh Sargsyan, as a result of the presidential election that was conducted on February 18, but who claims to be the real winner in the vote and who declared a hunger strike on March 10 at capital city Yerevan’s Liberty Square. Sargsyan himself stated this on Monday, Aravot daily reports. 

As per the incumbent President, after receiving a negative response to his proposals of holding a new presidential election, a presidential runoff, and dissolving the parliament, Hovannisian had asked Sargsyan as to what Heritage’s leader shall do in the current situation.   

Sargsyan suggested him three options. First, Hovannisian goes to Liberty Square, continues claiming that he received 80 percent of the votes, declares himself President and attempts to form alternative power structures. In this case, however, the law enforcement will carry out its duty.   

Second, by continuing to claim that the election was not fair and that he actually received more votes than the official number, Hovannisian strengthens his organizations, runs in the capital city Yerevan Council election—which is slated for May 5—, receives majority and becomes Yerevan Mayor and governs one-third of Armenia.

Third, Hovannisian stops being an opposition and gets involved in the government agencies and fights against corruption and emigration, as he had pledged during the campaign season. 

According to Aravot daily, Sargsyan said Hovannisian had asked with respect to the third option as to whether this refers to a coalition. In response, the President had said all discussions will be held once Hovannisian expresses his fundamental position.  

The two political figures agreed to exchange written proposals. 

As per Serzh Sargsyan, he honored this agreement and sent his proposals with regard to holding a referendum on constitutional amendments. In line with the President’s proposal, a commission led by Raffi Hovannisian shall prepare this draft.

Heritage’s leader, however, returned this proposal with a huge “x” on it.