Opinion: Forces are struggling for money
Yerevan City Council elections are of political importance for those forces that did not participate in the February presidential election, says Galust Sahakyan, head of the Republican Party faction.
"They are trying to fill the gap by participating in the municipal elections," he said.
The Republican MP says even if an opposition candidate assumes the post of Yerevan Mayor, he cannot create obstacles for the authorities.
"Why should he enter into conflict with the government for garbage disposal?" he said.
Gagik Jhangiryan, a lawmaker from the opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK), holds a different opinion. He says the municipal elections have political importance for all forces. Besides, an opposition mayor can create problems for the authorities by disobeying his illegal assignments.
Stepan Danielyan, Chairman of the Collaboration for Democracy Center NGO, agrees with Jhangiryan that municipal elections are political as the forces struggle for money.
The public figure reminds that authorities in Armenia are formed in the result of fake elections, therefore it does not mean whether they are municipal or presidential elections.
"Money and election fraud are political categories," he said.
Danielyan says criminal elements, penal institutions, the police and the National Security Service are involved in the process of elections.
"They will ensure the victory of the Republican Party," he said in conclusion.
