Armenian opposition figure warns against barring party from elections

The Armenian authorities should not block the registration of the opposition Strong Armenia party ahead of elections if they value basic democratic principles, its senior member Narek Karapetyan said on Friday, responding to reports that pro-government circles were discussing such a move.

“If democracy means at least something basic to the authorities, they will not take that step,” Karapetyan told a press conference.

He said preventing a major opposition force from participating in elections would be unprecedented in Armenia’s history.

“There has never been a period in Armenia when the main opposition force was not allowed to run in elections,” he said.

Karapetyan warned that such a decision could close many opportunities for Armenia and leave the country “stuck in the same cycle as in 2021.”

He said the party aimed to offer a program for systemic change rather than simply replacing political figures.

“If the changes we are proposing had already been implemented, there would be no need for us,” he said, adding that the public now seeks “new leadership and change.”

Karapetyan also commented on opinion polls cited by government officials that show strong support for the ruling party. He said even those surveys indicated a significant drop in support.

“According to their own polling, support has fallen from 53% to 24%,” he said. “That shows how big the disappointment with the government is.”

Karapetyan added that the poll was conducted before the founding congress of the Strong Armenia party and businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan was announced as its candidate for prime minister.