Political scientist: Get ready for the unexpected
The presidential election in Armenia slated for February 18, 2013, will not be very competitive, says Richard Giragosian, Director of Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS).
"It is clear that Serzh Sargsyan will be re-elected. However, the absence of competition should not necessarily cause problems. I mean to say that the electoral process should be more transparent, free and fair," he said.
At the same time, Mr Giragosian did not rule out that after the election we would witness new manifestations of political will.
"Expectations from political processes will increase. After being elected for a second term in office, Serzh Sargsyan should seriously think about the path Armenia is taking. We see a deep-rooted conflict in the political domain. In 2013 the conflict will continue among the representatives of the ruling elite, rather than between the opposition and government. Although the Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) is losing its power, the conflict is still tangible. This is a problem of the political system," said the political scientist.
Speaking about the international community's response to the presidential elections, Mr Giragosian said that neither Washington, nor Moscow and Brussels see a real alternative in the issue.
"Whether they are right or wrong, it is another matter. But many people in Armenia believe that Serzh Sargsyan will be re-elected," he said.
Then he cited the example of Georgian elections saying it could serve a good lesson for Armenia. "It is extremely dangerous to neglect people's calls for drastic changes set before overweening authorities," he said urging everyone to prepare for the unexpected, e.g. natural disasters, in the new year.
