Opposition forces’ victory at local elections not guarantee of victory at parliamentary elections – Armen Badalyan

Which candidates or political forces won the local elections is of no importance, political scientist Armen Badalyan told Tert.am in response to a question as to whether the first elections held in conformity with Armenia’s new Constitution have been different in terms of quality, with numerous candidates representing such political forces as Armenian Revival, Prosperous Armenia and Civil Contract.

“The process of election of the heads of communities and formation of local government bodies is entirely different from that of formation of the central government. It would be wrong to say that victories at local elections will be projected onto next year’s parliamentary elections,” Mr Badalyan said.

Asked if the local elections proved a test for political parties in terms of acceptability, Mr Badalyan noted that it could play a role in parties’ ratings.

“If opposition political forces succeed in local elections, with its candidate elected head of community or mayor, does not at all mean success at national elections,” he said.

Even before the local elections, Armenia’s authorities stated that the first elections held in conformity with Armenia’s new Constitution would be unprecedented, without any election frauds and higher-level election culture. In this respect, Mr Badalyan stopped trusting the authorities when top-ranking officials made statements on Armenia’s integration with the European Union (EU), but Armenia actually joined the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).

“The authorities said the publication of voter registers is strictly unconstitutional, but they have now agreed to do that. For 10 yearsm they were saying it was unconstitutional, and all of a sudden, they changed their view. It has become somewhat natural,” Badalyan added.

Asked about the pointlessness of election rigging, the expert did not quite agree to the viewpoint. “There is a sense to an extent. But there isn’t any making mass riggings, as [top officials are] are appointed by foreign powers,” he said.