One More Chance: Yerevan Elections
Civilitas Perspective / Democracy
by Salpi Ghazarian
Saturday, 30 May 2009 16:16
May 31 is the date that will mark the first constitutional opportunity
to popularly elect the leadership of Yerevan, home to nearly half of
Armenia’s population.
This is history-in-the-making for two reasons: Not only does the
electorate have a chance to decide who best represents their vision for
their city; but, inarguably more important for Armenians at this time,
the political forces have a chance to decide whether they trust the
people to make such a decision.
Elections are not the only standard by which to judge a democracy. But
certainly they are an indispensable standard. These are not theoretical
political concepts. This means — are we determined that we can and
will become a country where the people choose who governs them, and
where those who govern feel accountable to the people? That’s the
simple question which each election forces us to ask.
The question is even more urgent today. The Yerevan city elections come
just a year after a cynical presidential election and a disastrous
follow-up. The ensuing political climate — from paralyzing
polarization to hopeless apathy — has impacted individual lives and
our collective future.
The Yerevan city elections offer a remedial opportunity, a chance to
regain faith in ourselves and those who live with us, those who purport
to govern us, those who wish to lead us. It’s hard to say who bears the
greatest burden in this formula. But certainly, the responsibility is
on those in power and wishing to attain power.