PRE-ELECTION SITUATION CALMER THAN DURING ALL OTHER ELECTIONS, MINISTER OF JUSTICE SAYS

The following are excerpts from the interview with Davit Harutunyan, minister of justice and member of Armenian Republican Party (HHK) board.

-Mr. Harutunyan, how would you evaluate the pre-election situation in Armenia and what are your expectations from the elections?
-The pre-election situation in Armenia is rather calm, far calmer than during all other elections. The political combat is far more civilized than ever. Speaking about my expectations, I must say that each party has high expectations and internal anticipations. Our calculations are ambitious and I hope they will be justified.

-You said the situation is incomparably calmer. However, some media publications pinpoint to different political actors who say that there is an atmosphere of fear in the country. Have you noticed that?
- I have held many meetings throughout Armenia which will continue today and tomorrow. Frankly speaking, I have not witnessed any atmosphere of fear. I also do not see a reason for that.

- People are threatened that in case they do not go to meetings with HHK, they will be fired.
- It is not fear. We may call a fear when a person is afraid of secret ballot. What has HHK done? We have repeated in our speeches that voters are free and it is impossible to control votes. We speak about two things: is it possible to freely express political viewpoints or are they restricted? I believe all political parties freely express themselves, including extremists. The second issue concerns the day of elections. HHK has done a lot for that day. Seminars and meetings have been held, a memorandum was prepared for proxies to underline the weak points of election processes and attract their attention to them.

-Mr. Harutunyan, do you expect post-election tensions or an attempt of colorful revolution?
- There may always be temptations but they turn into a serious process when they have objective support like unfair elections or when people doubt in transparency of elections. I believe this time not only the election will be fair, but also everything will be done that people make sure no secret mechanisms are applied. In that case, there will be no serious threat for destability.