ArmInfo.The difference between the upcoming elections in Artsakh and all the previous ones is not only the number of candidates, but also the emergence of a real alternative, NKR Foreign Minister, Artsakh presidential candidate Masis Mayilyan expressed a similar opinion to ArmInfo.
The main competitors in the upcoming March 31 presidential and parliamentary elections in Artsakh are former Minister of State, one of the richest people in the country Arayik Harutyunyan and incumbent Foreign Minister Masis Mayilyan. Harutyunyan is supported by the current authorities of Artsakh, while Mayilyan is supported by Commander of the Artsakh Defense Army Samvel Babayan and several other political forces. In total, 14 presidential candidates registered in the Artsakh CEC.
"In view of the unprecedented increase in resources and control tools over the electoral process, this time we can't talk about the predetermination of the election results. In this light, in my opinion, today in our country there is an exceptional situation for holding normal, democratic elections. A situation, in which administrative resource is limited, and the results depend solely on voters, "Mayilyan noted.
According to the presidential candidate, this situation gives impetus to his team to actively unite the healthy forces of society in order to implement fundamental reforms in Artsakh. Mayilyan also expressed confidence in the upcoming fruitful cooperation of the Armenian authorities with the legitimately elected President of Artsakh. In case of victory, he intends to do everything to make Artsakh more open to the international community.
Mayilyan considers cooperation with the former Minister of Defense of Artsakh Samvel Babayan as another example of uniting the healthy forces of society. He emphasized that this cooperation was not directed against anyone, and had the aim of consolidating the people of Artsakh around the idea of ensuring a prosperous future for the country. The presidential candidate stated that his own approaches in conducting fundamental reforms are in line with those of Babayan and his United Homeland party. The basis of these approaches lies in further strengthening the combat effectiveness of the army, overcoming economic stagnation and solving social problems.
Commenting on the demographic situation, Mayilyan noted his readiness, in case of coming to power, on the basis of public discussions, to begin to adopt and implement a new, clear and targeted strategy for the populating of all regions of the republic. At the same time, he considers that the change in the demographic situation is linked with the development of the Artsakh economy, which will create the necessary infrastructure and communications in the areas where new settlers will settle. "Our common development strategy for Artsakh is based on ensuring national security, defense and economic self-sufficiency. Moreover, nobody canceled the prospects for reuniting Artsakh with Armenia. ''Miatsum'' was at the heart of the Artsakh liberation movement and the departure from this slogan had exclusively objective reasons and the need for protection of our right to self-determination. Today saying Armenia we mean one country and two states with a common future, accordingly, intending to intensify integration processes ", Mayilian concluded.