The political system, composed of the formal legal institutions that constitute a state, serves as a defining element for any country. Specifically, it is the political parties that significantly influence the destiny of a nation. The political system should be perceived as the aggregation of registered political parties competing for leadership, striving to attain political power through elections to govern the country and shape its future. Whether these political parties are currently in power or in opposition, they collectively shape the political landscape of the nation.
What do these political parties represent? To what extent are they institutionalized, and what intellectual, organizational, personnel, and structural resources do they possess to fulfill their ambitions? These questions are perhaps among the most pressing issues in the Republic of Armenia, warranting a separate and comprehensive discussion. However, for now, let’s begin by examining the topic of public attitudes toward the parties, which encapsulates all the aforementioned layers to some extent.
Currently in Armenia, there exists a pervasive mistrust towards all political parties, as evidenced by recent public opinion surveys. Analysis of their findings reveals that public mistrust is not solely directed towards the ruling political party, but extends to other political entities as well, whether parliamentary or extra-parliamentary. Put simply, mistrust is widespread and encompasses not only the current government but also potential future governments, currently in the opposition.
While it is a truism that there is a lack of public trust in political parties, it is crucial to revisit the underlying reasons why political parties fail to garner trust. Thoroughly analyzing and discussing these reasons, thinking critically, identifying deeper causes, and drawing conclusions are essential steps. Despite much debate on this topic, one of the primary obstacles lies in the insufficient capacity of political parties to effectively govern the country. This deficiency can be seen as a strategic factor contributing to public mistrust.
Read also
However, there is also a tactical reason for public mistrust, namely, unanswered questions stemming from the spirit of the so-called “velvet revolution” of 2018. It is widely acknowledged that the string of tragedies in our country commenced with that “revolution,” which was succeeded by the war and the defeat of Artsakh, the depopulation of Armenians, and the inadequate and dubious actions and rhetoric of the current government. This has sparked suspicions of internal and external conspiracies among the public: was what occurred in 2018 genuinely a revolution or a staged theatrical performance?
These doubts are deepening day by day. Furthermore, animosity towards the former authorities exacerbates the situation, creating an unhealthy atmosphere in society and fostering a sense of an uncertain, hopeless future. If addressing the “strategic” cause of mistrust in parties requires time, ability, and creative efforts, then the “tactical” cause of public mistrust, directly related to the “revolution” of 2018, must be neutralized by offering an unbiased assessment of that very “revolution,” both publicly and politically.
All individuals involved should be unmasked, the murky waters should be cleared, and the public should understand the identities and roles of each entity in this unchecked procession of conspiracies, permissiveness, and escapades.
ACNIS (The Armenian Center for National and International Studies)