Levon Zurabyan: Dictator's attempts to extend their stay in power are always met by protests
With the controversial constitutional amendments Serzh Saragsyan wants to extend his stay in power for a third term, says Head of the Armenian National Congress (HAK) faction Levon Zurabyan. “The president in Armenia is prohibited by the country’s Constitution from running for a third consecutive term. Many in Armenia view the need for reforming the Basic Law as an attempt by Serzh Sargsyan, and his ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) to ‘perpetuate’ their power. The switch to a parliamentary system of government through the change of the Constitution will allow Serzh Sargsyan and his associates to ensure their reproduction,” Zurabyan told A1+. This came after Serzh Sargsyan announced the start of active discussions with different political forces around the constitutional reform. Levon Zurabyan says history has shown that in countries where dictators tried to extend their stay in power by changing the Constitution, they were met by serious protest by people. “I do not think that Armenia will become an exception,” he said adding that the HAK will oppose the reform. “Even if there are political forces, who are in favour of turning Armenia into a parliamentary republic, they will admit that it cannot be done through rigged elections by a regime whose primary aim to retain power. The forceful transition to a parliamentary republic by the scenario of a dictator will discredit the parliamentary system of government. We all realize the consequences and even those who are in favor of a parliamentary republic but adhere to democratic values should thwart Serzh Sargsyan’s efforts to change the Constitution,” he said.
