ARABKIR RESIDENTS DO NOT EXPECT VITAL CHANGES

A1+
[02:40 pm] 26 August, 2008

Elections to self-government body are due in Yerevan’s Arabkir district
on September 7. The posters of two candidates, Hovhannes Shahinian
and Albert Eritsian, are already placed on building facades. Although
the acting district head Hovhannes Shahinian runs in the election one
can see the posters of non-partisan Albert Eritsian in the central
streets of the commune. Note, the latter runs "Father and Brother
Eritsians" Ltd.

Unlike the two candidates, the others, Zoya Tadevossian and Ashot
Mnatsakanian, members of the "Heritage" and "Progressive" parties
respectively, have no posters.

Residents of Arabkir district seem indifferent to the upcoming election
and the future district head.

"We have no expectations. It is a mere farce, a show. Nothing will
change after the election," 47-year-old Vardan said during a poll
conducted by A1+. Vardan says recently some guys looked in to collect
their passport data. "They had no programme and urged my family
members to vote for Eritsian."

"I know none of the candidates. During the election I shall make
a random choice after getting acquainted with the candidates’
booklets. Will the next district head do anything? So far I have seen
no work done," said 49-year-old Albert.

There were people who sounded content with the acting district
head. "Shahinian is our district head. I am much pleased with him. I
am a pensioner and have always received his attention. I am grateful
to Shahinian. I have nothing else to say," said grandma Gayane.

People mostly complain of garbage and street illumination. "The
district has turned into a real dump," said grandpa Jora.

Children want to have playgrounds and green areas. "The district
head can hardly do anything as people want to erect objects in the
territory," said a mother of two children.

Most residents don’t know the candidates. "I know only Eritsian. He
is a decent man, a businessman ad I have great expectations from him,"
said 44-year-old Hovhannes.

"Surely, I shall vote for the Heritage candidate," said 47-year-old
Vardan.