Pashinyan ‘diverting public attention’ with false agenda – opposition member critical of prime minister’s stance on snap elections

In an interview with Tert.am, the coordinator of the Homeland Salvation Movement, Ishkhan Saghatelyan (ARF-D), commented on the authorities’ decision against the conduct of snap parliamentary elections in Armenia.

In his words, the prime minister himself abandoned the idea in an attempt to remain “glued to his seat” by distracting public attention.

Mr. Saghatelyan, the authorities refuse to hold snap elections. What do you think is the underlying reason?

There are three main reasons to abandon the idea of snap elections. First, they have arrived at the understanding that they have practically no chances of reproduction through polls, i.e. – that it is just impossible. Secondly, they see that they will have problems with their team, as most of the lawmakers who found themselves in parliament by stroke of luck will lose their mandate. Thirdly, they believe that it is still possible to keep on cheating and silencing the people and easily digest all that. This is why they have actually decided to maintain their grip on power by giving up the idea. But they are sadly mistaken.

My Step [the ruling parliamentary force] cites the absence of a public demand, whereas the parliamentary opposition rejects [the proposal for early elections].  

I think they have conducted the kind of survey within the frameworks of the Civil Contract [party], in particular within their parliamentary bloc. Otherwise, they would have understood themlves whether or not there is a real demand.

Mr. Saghatelyan, do you see other fears? Many state that it may be linked to the second president’s statement saying that he will run for elections and win.

If you remember, we have stated several times that this person, who remains glued tfotyuo his seat, is attempting to divert the agenda. He had no plan to head to snap elections; I have to repeat myself that he had virtually no chance of reproduction. He has evaluated the situation in that sense – as well as his potential contenders - and he will now continue to remain glued to his seat, avoiding responsibility.

You said that [the attempts] to cheat the people will succeed, but what measures are going to be taken to prevent that from happening? Do you see people in the society, who are trying to justify Nikol Pashinyan after so many things?

Populists normally cheat their people once, but their second [attempt] is certain to experience a failure. Hiding behind the people and speaking on behalf of the people repeatedly, they are trying to pretend that everything is fine or there is no demand for their dismissal. So they will thereby try to make the society a participant in their disgraceful treacherous process.

Mr. Saghatelyan, most opposition members rejected the plan of snap elections under conditions of Nikol Pashinyan’s rule. They proposed creating a caretaker government and holding elections a year later. Are the demands the same now? What are your plans?

I want to remind you once again that no political force – including the parliamentary ones –ever opposed to snap elections while outlining also the very accurate roadmap, i.e. – resignation, the formation of an interim government and the conduct of snap elections. The opposition reaffirmed its demand, agenda and roadmap about 10 days ago. Hence, nothing has changed in our approaches. The struggle is continuing in all the directions; we are scheduling a big demonstration for February 20. There will be procession, rallies and different civil disobedience campaigns. I have to repeat myself again: if they believe they will manage to digest their treachery with a false agenda, distracting the society and maintaining grip on power, they are mistaken.

While the opposition stated that nothing has changed in their agenda - as they conducting rallies, the processes, in both Artsakh [Nagorno-Karabakh] and border settlements of Armenia, still give ground to concern.

We have been stating since November 9 – and even long before – that every single day of those people’s hold on power is a loss for our homeland. Yes, as long as this government of evil exists, it isn’t possible to have good expectations. The authorities “club” is unable, mildly speaking, to defend the interests of their people. On the contrary, they seem to be defending the hostile country’s interests.