The euphoria among Civil Contract supporters in Vagharshapat over their so-called “crushing victory” is, of course, performative rather than sincere. I’m convinced they understand that collecting 15,298 votes in a community with 69,924 voters—using violations, an enormous administrative apparatus, and other “old, tried” methods methods (for example, redrawing electoral districts) —is not a remarkable achievement. The enthusiasm is therefore more for show: to boost their own team and supporters while sowing disappointment among those with opposition views.
I should note that I observe certain demoralized moods within the opposition—but that’s premature. The game is far from over; lessons must simply be learned. And the first lesson is obvious, right on the surface—and much discussed now: opposition forces need to consolidate. Six opposition parties and alliances for 70,000 voters is too many; it confuses people, misleads them, and dilutes votes. Imagine if this continues—how many opposition units will there be during nationwide elections? Twenty?
The branding of the main competitor was also unclear: the name “Victory” meant nothing to most. The party or alliance name doesn’t matter if there is a strong, visible leader. In Gyumri, people voted not for the Communist Party, but for Vardan Ghukasyan. Meanwhile, Sevak Khachatryan, however likeable, doesn’t enjoy the same widespread recognition.
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Civil Contract’s top candidate, Argishti Mekhakyan, showed remarkable discretion (or perhaps wise advisors guided him) by refraining from speaking against the Catholicos or speculating about possible handovers involving the Mother See. It was clear that speaking out would have cost him votes.
Instead, Pashinyan declared after the elections that this victory will encourage further actions against the Mother See. In other words, gaining 15,000 votes in the newly enlarged Vagharshapat community gives him the grounds to pursue his arrogant, reckless, anti-Church, and anti-state plan to replace the Catholicos of All Armenians.
The Church, of course, will resist such attacks—even if it loses a small portion. But this seriously undermines the state, the public order, and the constitution.
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
