There were 6 factions in the 5th convocation of National Assembly. Currently there are 4, which, purely in arithmetical terms, is a regression: the more diverse the better. Besides, the more unsatisfied political powers there are, the worse. It is challenging to think constructively when you are “unsatisfied”. When you have not achieved your goals, you feel uneasy not only because of the authorities, but also the oppositionists who entered the parliament, whom you surely will label as “venal” and “docile”.
However, not entering the parliament is not the end of world. If there are ideas, they can even be realized beyond the parliament. Especially that nowadays there are many platforms for sharing ideas. If those ideas are more original than these- “the state is being destroyed”, “the authorities must resign immediately”-then they may be interesting to the public, or at least to its certain sections.
What should the extra-parliamentary opposition do? First, it needs to get out of the shock. Of course, it will happen eventually, simply there is no need to “grieve” for months according to the “national mentality”. Further steps could be, 1. impartial analysis and evaluation (preferably in public) of their own mistakes made during the elections, 2. adjustment of ideological and advocating ways of the next 5 years, 3. Seeking new allies and supporters.
I would like to pause on the last point for a moment. Alliances are usually being created 2-3 months ahead of elections in Armenia, and they are devoid of not only ideological similarities, but also compatible ideas about tactics. That is why they dissolve very quickly. I think negotiations with the political forces and NGOs should get started right now, trying to find the axis around which they can unite. Only at first sight it seems that there is much time left before the next elections.
Of course, there may also be the following approach: it will bring nothing, anyway, whatever we do, the authorities will fake the elections, etc. Those who think so perhaps should not be involved in politics.
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
