ELECTION CAMPAIGN IN ELECTION DISTRICT #44 MARKED WITH GROSS
VIOLATIONS

YEREVAN, AUGUST 19. ARMINFO. The election campaign in election
district 44 is being held with gross violations of the RA election
laws.

At a press conference in the “Pakaguitz” club, the candidate for
Parliament Babken Margaryan reported that the supporters of some
candidates collect voters’ passports and offer bribes. “One vote costs
10 to 20 thousand AMD,” Margaryan said. He also reported that the
supporters of some candidates exert pressure on his
supporters. According to Margaryan, a few days ago unknown persons
attacked his supporters and beat them. He also stated that to put an
end to unlawful actions he had to call Aram Sargsyan, the brother of
the candidate Artak Sargsyan. Margaryan also stated that he nominated
himself at the voters’ request, and they demanded that he fight to the
end. Margaryan expressed confidence that he will win if the elections
are fair.

The Parliament member of the “Law-Governed Country” party Aram
Harutyunyan was appointed Minister of Urban Development, which
necessitated elections in election district

44. Five candidates are currently running for Parliament, but the
principal struggle involves the owner of a chain of drugstores and
dry-cleaners “Lavanda:” Araik Hairapetyan and Co-President of the “SAS
Group” company Artak Sargsyan. Haurapetyan is a member of the “Nig
Aparan” Union and is supported by Honorary Chairman of the Union, RA
Prosecutor General Aghvan Hovsebyan, as well as by the “People’s
Deputy” group, formed by businessmen. If elected, Hairapetyan intends
to join the deputy group. In turn, Artak Sargsuyan is supported by the
“Law-Governed Country” party. The voting is scheduled for August 29.