YEREVAN. – The main task of the opposition parties to politicize the May 5 municipal election was not fulfilled, sociologist Aharon Adibekyan said.

Two-thirds of Armenia’s population perceived elections in terms of economic problems and living conditions. He believes this was the reason for failure of the traditional opposition, namely Armenian National Congress.

“Heritage party represented by ‘Barev, Yerevan’ bloc preserved only eight percent of previous 37 percent,” Adibekyan told reporters on Monday.

He noted that many parties are speaking аbout irregularities in an attempt to disguise the shortcomings of their campaign.

The Central Electoral Commission (CEC) on Monday issued the preliminary results of Sunday’s voting. In line with this outcome, the ruling Republican Party of Armenia, the non-pro-government Prosperous Armenia Party, and the opposition “Barev, [Hello] Yerevan” bloc will comprise the new Council of Elders of Yerevan.

Opposition Armenian National Congress Party, opposition ARF Dashnaktsutyun Party, coalition government’s Orinats Yerkir (Rule of Law) Party, and Arakelutyun (Mission) Party, on the other hand, did not pass the 6-percent threshold for the parties to become members in the Yerevan Council of Elders.  

The CEC will issue the final election results on May 12.

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am