ACCORDING TO ARARAT ZURABIAN, EVERYBODY KNOWS IN ARMENIA WHO FALSIFIES ELECTIONS

Noyan Tapan

Se p 26, 2008

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 26, NOYAN TAPAN. The radical opposition, even
if it wishes, is not able to falsify the local self-government
elections, as it does not have a sufficient number of members
in the commissions. Ararat Zurabian, the Board Chairman of the
Armenian National Movement party, a candidate for prefect election
in the Kentron community of Yerevan, stated at the September 26
press conference responding to the assertion Gagik Beglarian, the
current prefect and candidate for prefect made in his interview to
Radio Liberty, according to which the opposition is going to commit
falsifications in the elections of the Kentron community. "Everybody
knows in Armenia who falsifies the elections, and it is just
impermissible to speak about falsifications allegedly prepared by
the opposition," the ANM leader said.

According to A. Zurabian, normal holding of the September 28 local
self-government elections depends on country’s higher authorities:
they have a single chance even if once to organize an electoral
process at the proper level. He also touched upon the rally scheduled
for September 26 evening and the statement of RA Police Chief Alik
Sargsian that one day the Police will no longer tolerate unauthorized
events. "God forbid recurrence of March 1.

The Police can intervene only in case of violation of public order,
but they should not be the first to violate the law," A. Zurabian
said. He affirmed that in general not authorizing and not permitting
rallies is evidence of fear of the authorities. According to him, a
public sector has been formed in the country today, which "terrifies"
the authorities.

A. Zurabian said that according to the data of the survey conducted,
he has two-fold more votes in the Kentron community than it will be
required for gaining a convincing victory. He also added that in case
of preventing 50% expected falsifications his victory will be ensured.