STATEMENT OF ARF DASHNAKTSUTIUN
Support A1+!Dear compatriots,
During the presidential election of February 19, 2008, Armenia underwent a recurrent ordeal on the way to democracy. We can overcome it only with joint efforts as unification will enable us to take up interior, socio-economic and exterior challenges.
An atmosphere of mutual hatred and hostility, intolerance and threats was felt throughout the whole campaign.
The society was artificially polarized. On the one hand, the former authorities longed to overthrow the government; on the other hand, the acting authorities took every effort to “hold the reins.”
ARF Dashnaktsutiun did its utmost to lead the struggle in a healthy atmosphere focusing on the candidates' ideas and programmes but we found no feedback effect. During the campaign ARF candidate Vahan Hovhannissian remained loyal to his principles.
The election was conducted with numerous irregularities, vote stuffing, violence, bribery which resulted in further tension, distrust and polarization of the society. We think that consolidation is a must and are ready to bridge the conflicting side.
After summing up the reports received by regions and polling stations and considering the figures of the Central Electoral Commission, ARF Dashnaktsutiun has decided not to challenge the election outcome. We wish success to the newly-elected President Serzh Sarkissian.
At the same time, we suggest ceasing coalition collaboration and are ready to resign from the state posts.
