After the adoption of agreed version of the Electoral Code on some points, the authorities have good reason to give up these points, saying that the Europeans do not give money. (The UK referendum also “contributes” to it, the EU is too busy with its affairs and will not have time to deal with us). It is clear that the authorities prefer holding elections without the identification cards with non-existent 1 million 300 thousand “voter” in Armenia and without cameras with “straying groups” of forgers. It is also a wonderful excuse in the eyes of Europeans, did you see that we did everything to meet the demands of the opposition? Now that you do not give money, what should we do?
This petty wile would hardly “go away”. It is clear that the international organizations or the states give money to Armenia’s state institutions to organize the elections. It is clear that in this case, the opposition or the civil society cannot negotiate for getting grants. Hence, the responsibility for failing to improve the electoral process will fully fall on the authorities.
If I truly want anyone to make material or non-material investment to my project, be it political or commercial, then I myself, in the scope of my capabilities, am obligated to make my own contribution. As the Americans used to say: no involvement – no commitment, if you do not participate in any way, then you do not bear any responsibility. Yes, our Armenia’s resources are very limited, but if the state does not want to invest any extra penny in any business, in this case, for fair elections, then the international donors could think, “What? Do we need it mostly?” That is the reason why, in fact, many international programs are carried out with the so to speak “co-financing” principle. If the government functionaries show the donors that they do not particularly need elections with credible results, it is the “toy” of the opposition, which we have given to him after numerous urgings, then “getting money” will be quite difficult.
Of course, someone can say that if the state had extra 2-3 million euros, it would buy weapons. I do not agree. Holding fair elections is Armenia’s security issue. Another question that not all of us have understood it.
Read also
ARAM ABRAHAMYAN
