Re-alignments - both within the ruling coalition and within the Opposition ranks - are expected in the Armenian political arena on the threshold of parliamentary elections. Specifically, rumors are circulating about a new political alliance to be formed by three political forces that have only 1 to 2 percent of the votes. Some think that, if united, the political forces that not especially popular in the country may render invaluable services to the country`s authorities. Among them are the National-Democratic Union (NDU) led by Vazgen Manukyan, Union of People`s Democrats led by Arshak Sadoyan, Christian-Democratic Union, Ramkavar Azatakan Party led by Edward Antinyan.

Although relevant consultations have not started yet, some representatives of the prospective allies told NEWS.am they do not object to forming an alliance. Alexan Karapetyan, Secretary of the National Unity, said the political forces is preparing for regular, rather than for early, elections. "We have been preparing for the next elections since 2007 and are hopeful we will get a high percentage of votes. The question is overcoming the 5% barrier. Then we will multiply it as much as we can," Karapetyan said. As to how the votes are "multiplied as much as possible", it is common knowledge. Speaking of the possibility of the three forces forming an alliance, Karapetyan said: "We do not object to forming an alliance for the benefit of the people - irrespective of party affiliation. If there are ways of communication enabling us to improve living conditions, we are ready for discussing it," he said.

Edward Altinyan, Chairman of the Ramkavar-Azatakan Party, said that he is unaware of the plans to form an alliance. He considers such an alliance unlikely. According to him, the aforementioned parties should first hold political consultations on what future they see for Armenia. Then they can make further steps. "I have repeatedly stated that only two parties will run for Parliament by themselves: the Republican Party of Armenia and the Prosperous Party of Armenia. The others had to form alliances," he said. As regards the Opposition led by Levon Ter-Petrosyan, the Armenian National Congress (ANC) is laying claims to the seats currently occupied by the Heritage Party.

The next parliamentary elections are to be held in Armenia next spring. The ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) led by President Serzh Sargsyan has most of the 131 seats in the present Parliament, followed by the Prosperous Armenia Party (led by Gagik Tsarukyan), Rule of Law Party (Artur Baghdasaryan), Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutyun (ARF-D), as well as the opposition Heritage Party (Raffi Hovhannisyan). The ANC has is not represented in Parliament.