Armenia’s ruling coalition existed before the memorandum was signed. By signing the memorandum, the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), Rule of Law Party and Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) reaffirmed their positions, which may have positive consequences, Stepan Grigoryan, Head of the Center for Globalization and Regional Cooperation, told journalists Feb. 24.

According to him, the memorandum will encourage the Opposition to unite, and we “may have a two or three-party system,” Grigoryan said. “It may cause positive developments in the Armenian political arena. However, one factor, namely, elections is much more important than any alliance. If elections are properly held, any alliances may have positive effects. Problems are inevitable unless free and fair elections are held,” the expert said. He pointed out that a multi-party system is not 100 officially registered parties, but several major forces.

As to the opinion that by signing the memorandum the ruling forces monopolized the political arena, Grigoryan said that the Armenian Parliament has an opposition faction. Moreover, extra-parliamentary opposition forces hold regular rallies. “What is the problem? The ruling coalition existed before the memorandum was signed. I do not think it is monopolization of political arena,” the expert said.