PRIME MINISTER’S LOYALIST PREDICTS HIS OUTRIGHT VICTORY IN FEBRUARY ELECTION

ARMENPRESS
Jan 18, 2008

YEREVAN, JANUARY 18, ARMENPRESS: Eduard Sharmazanov, a spokesman for
the governing Republican Party, who also holds a parliament seat,
said today prime minister Serzh Sarkisian’s ultimate task is to ensure
that the February 19 presidential election does not fall short of
meeting international standards and mark another tangible step in
making Armenia a strong democratic nation.

Serzh Sarkisian’s presidential election manifesto unveiled last week
promises to turn Armenia into a "strong democratic state" where all
citizens are equal before law and live in an "atmosphere of mutual
respect, love and indulgence."

Sharmazanov told a news conference that the ruling party has already
set up 1,300 campaign offices across the country.

"All political groups and non-governmental organizations which have
voiced their endorsement of prime minister Sarkisian are engaged in
relevant work.

I am sure that the people will again choose to vote for our party as
they did during the past May 12 parliamentary elections," Sharmazanov
said.

Sharmazanov quoted the prime minister as saying that ‘We all shall
work hard to make clean and fair elections in Armenia become a strong
tradition."

The spokesman said the authorities have the will to press for it. He
further said all political institutions should understand that there
is no alternative to democracy.

"We do not need a vulnerable president, we need a president elected
by the people," he said, questioning again former president Levon
Ter-Petrosian’s chances of winning the ballot.

The spokesman predicted that Serzh Sarkisian will get enough votes
to win the election outright and avoid a run-off with an opposition
candidate.

"In the last two decades Serzh Sarkisian has been in the climax of
major domestic and foreign policy developments, he has been serving his
nation in every area and in every position he held,’ Sharmazanov said.

Sharmazanov also quoted a late prime minister Vazgen Sarkisian as
saying that no one could ever question Serzh Sarkisian’s integrity,
patriotism, professionalism and commitment.

Eduard Sharmazanov declined media speculations that Serzh Sarkisian
may replace territorial minister Hovik Abrahamian as head of his
election campaign.

Particularly, a local daily claimed today that Hovik Abrahamian is a
government official with a tainted reputation that would only damage
Sarkisian’s campaign.