Armenia rapidly moving to 'early parliamentary elections', says oppositionist

Speaking at a news conference today, Aram Manukyan, the chairman of the opposition Armenian Pan-National Movement Board, said Armenia is up for an early parliamentary election.

"Forget about regular election. We are rapidly moving to early parliamentary election. Things unfold faster than expected," Manukyan said. "The cards are more open today than ever. The early election will take place sooner than expected."

Other contributing factors, according to him, are the lack of democratic progress in Armenia, as well as the fact that people still remain imprisoned for their political views.

Armenia's domestic problems may also lead to early parliamentary election, he added.

Manukyan also pointed to what he called "dangerous disclosures" about Armenia and social tension that is increasing on daily basis, adding that Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan cannot but avoid a change of regime under such conditions.

"The only alternative to these authorities is the ANC [Armenian National Congress], and the ANC must come to power," said Manukyan.

Further, he said he does not take seriously other opposition parties in Armenia.

"The Armenian National Congress is an established, experienced … and it is the serious format that can truly be called opposition," Manukyan explained.

None of the political forces other than the ANC is interested in the serious challenges Armenia is currently facing - the country's economic and political collapse.

It is those challenges that the ANC has been united to tackle.

"I would like all the Armenian political forces to be that united," said Aram Manukyan.