“Major struggle lies ahead”
Political scientist Alexander Iskandaryan says the process that is taking place between the authorities and the opposition is a mechanism of the political struggle to have an impact on the upcoming parliamentary elections.
According to him, the events that will take place in a couple of days, including the amnesty and then the ANC's May 31 rally will make the sides take decisive steps.
As for the opposition's statement according to which there can only be dialogue regarding special elections, the political scientist said rhetoric and politics shouldn't mix.
"The reason for that is clear. The ANC has an electorate and it has to say whatever is of the ANC's interest. I don't see any demand for the authorities to hold special elections. Why should they?" said Iskandaryan, adding that in the ANC's case, those statements are for people who vote by coming to the rallies.
"The authorities understand this very well," said the political scientist.
Nevertheless, Alexander Iskandaryan says the possible dialogue will have a positive impact on the political process.
"Of course, I would welcome a process through civilized, political competition, even if that was sharp, tense and brutal," said Iskandaryan, adding that only that kind of struggle could strengthen the country.
However, he doubts that that will happen. "The major struggle lies ahead. I affirm that the first stage of the struggle is over, but the second one hasn't begun."
Almost all people who participated in a survey gave a positive evaluation of the authorities' declaration of amnesty for political prisoners, as well as the dialogue between the authorities and the opposition.
"The amnesty came late. It was a shame to see the veterans in prison all this time," said Varazdat Sahakyan. Hrant Margaryan noted that the authorities should consider the opposition's demands.
