The Telegraph, UK
Jan 6 2006
Vote for me and have a potato, says party tycoon
By Graeme Baker
Last Updated: 1:58am GMT 06/01/2007
Armenian politicians have been accused of buying votes in forthcoming
elections with gifts of potatoes.
The allegations come after the Flourishing Armenia party led by Gagik
Tsarukian, one of the richest men in the country, followed other
parties by announcing it was giving the vegetables and medical
supplies following a drought as acts of "charity".
Opponents in the former Soviet state, where the average annual income
is £750, said the handouts were cynical attempts by the elite to stay
in power.
Shavarsh Kocharian, an MP, told Armenianow.com: "Hungry people will
swear by the name of the person who helps them."
Under Armenian law, parties are allowed to launch charitable
campaigns six months before elections. Previous polls have seen
sugar, flour and grain handed out.