YEREVAN. – Violations started long before the parliamentary elections. A vivid example of such violations was the well-known story with the principals of Armenian schools and kindergartens that made lists for the Republican Party of Armenia, Canadian-Armenian actress Arsinee Khanjian said in Yerevan.

Arsinee Khanjian arrived in Armenia as a part of the “Justice in Armenia” initiative  to carry out an observation mission during the parliamentary elections.

“Nevertheless, despite all this, if Armenians want changes, they must necessarily go to the polls, because elections are the only opportunity to change something in the country without violence and blood,” she said.

Even if there are no 100% ideal groups among opposition groups, they still open up the possibility of change, Khanjian believes. The actress urged to vote for “lesser of two evils”.

She added that in no country there are completely fair elections, but the participation of every citizen is a contribution to the future of the country. Of course, these changes will not be visible on April 3, just after the elections. The country has been following the current path for 25 years, and nothing can be changed in a day, it will take time, she said.

“Your voice really matters. If your vote did not matter, there would be no pre-election bribes. If there are bribes, this already means that your votes are important,” the actress said, adding that we should not forget that the voices of those who do not go to the elections can be used for various kinds of violations.

A number of artists from the Diaspora, including Serj Tankian, director Atom Egoyan and actress Arsinee Khanjian arrived in Armenia to carry out an observation mission during the parliamentary elections as part of the “Justice in Armenia” initiative.