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Regime Change from the Ground Up
Elections Set in Gyumri and Vanadzor
Special for the Armenian Weekly
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Opposition groups should establish their oiwn independent tribunals and try corrupt people “in absentia.”
Then announce the sentences.
Mr aprahamian, once you start calling for “regime change” you open up the door for the west to implement regume change through foreign intervention in the region. Is that honestly what you want?
Any opposition should be constructive. There cannot be too many opposition groups. There could be a consensus among several opposition groups, which by the way would be a very healthy dynamic reformative struggle, with a comprehensive agenda on all fronts, in all ministries. Opposition for the sake of opposition on certain and possibly many issues with no well-defined road map is not to be encouraged nor supported. Diaspora could support the government and all constructive forms of opposition characterized by consensus of priorities. We could then enter the roaster of civilized nations. At this stage leaders of integrity and vision coupled with diplomatic inspiration will be welcome. Sasna Dzrer need balanced leaders characterized by strong will and perseverance. No one can claim that peaceful methods have run their course. Such members have no say in the long process of radical changes.
This is a very interesting and to the point article. However, there are a few points that should be expanded upon.
Yes, the youth is a lot more active today, than ever before, they are better educated, more Westernized and more motivated and that’s great. I’ve marched with them myself. However, and there is a however, you will notice that the largest and most formidable demonstrations and protests have revolved around money and not necessarily about local or geopolitics. The bus fare increase, the pension tax (contribution or whatever you would like to call it), and the electrical rate increase.
When it comes to any political or geopolitical issues, the motivation, impetus and incitement is just not there.
Is there election fraud beyond the view of the monitors, yes, no question about it, however, there is a major problem with the voters before they even get to the voting booth, by accepting a 5000 amd (approx. $10.50) bribe to vote for the Republican Party. The party preys on those that need the money the most, the retired, the unemployed, the poor, the people that are doing menial work. And for those people this money could mean a days pay or more. E.G. The monthly pension for many retire people amounts to maybe 40,000 to 50,000 amd per month ($85 – $105. per month). You can’t completely blame these people for taking that money since it can feed them for at least couple of days.
When it comes to political activity, yes, you will get the diehards that participate, but the numbers don’t compare to the demonstrations related to finances.
The sad commentary is that the Hayastansti is a complainer, not a doer. There isn’t anyone that I know, even government workers that have any use for the Armenian government, but all they will do is talk about it. You will not see much action, just a lot of talk.
In addition, there are so many political parties and candidates from different parties running for the same office, that the opposition vote gets diluted and subsequently, almost by default the ruling party ends up with the majority of votes.
I hate to say this but the Dashnakstutyun is equally responsible for not being able to create a coalition with other opposition parties.
In conclusion, you are correct “we need to bolster the efforts of these healthy new segments”. But words without action will do nothing and unfortunately, I do not see any action from anyone, including the ARF in Armenia.
Hi Berj, thank you for your comment. You raise some good points.
On the issue of activists not focusing on geopolitics, I’m not quite sure what issue you have in mind. When the war in Artsakh began in April, for example, it was these same activists who turned Mashtots Park (an area that would’ve been a cafe center if it wasn’t for them) into a hub of donations for the soldiers. You could see the same folks who were at the helm of Electric Yerevan mobilizing the drive for clothing, food, supplies, and other donations for the defense of Artsakh.
When it comes to external pressure, they are also very clear on their stance. The DemEm movement was, for example, clearly against US/Western backed impositions of neoliberal reform, while the ElectricYerevan movement was against a Russian company hiking up electricity prices. However, neither one let their movement be hijacked by foreign powers. At the Electric Yerevan protests, despite the propaganda we saw in the Western press, they made abundantly clear that this was not a Ukraine-style Maidan movement. I personally saw the likes of Paruyr Hairikian and his group bearing EU flags shamed out of the protest site. They were literally ran out from coming with those flags.
My point is, they are aware of geopolitical issues but not interested in being used as tools of ANY foreign power. I personally factor that in as one of their major strengths.
As far as regular people taking bribes, yes that is definitely true. The ruling party preys not only on the poor and feeble but also those with state jobs. Much of Armenian society works for the government, as school teachers, administrators, police officers, etc. The public sector is I believe the largest employer. They are threatened with fear of losing their job if any sort of political change happens. So, in addition, to being bribed, many are scared into voting how they do.
But the bigger issue is that the masses are UNORGANIZED and ISOLATED. Even if you disagree with the government, it’s very difficult to take a stance and, say, protest if you are by yourself. Contrary to illusion, very few people hit the streets for even this latest round of demonstrations. When you are by yourself, it’s a hard step to take.
Once there is organization, mobilization, and collective action, however, it becomes easier for people to do the right thing. Just venting or trying to shame people to stand up will not work. Organization is needed. And we are seeing these lessons learned right in front of our eyes.
I’d like to also add that these are local “Hayastantsis” that are doing this work and learning these lessons. These are not diasporans. They are not foreign-funded NGO’s. And they are not veterans of the Artsakh war or Zinyal Baykar era. They are young people growing up in post-independence Armenia. They are at the forefront of genuine change. We should pay attention to them, and in my opinion, follow their lead.
“Words without action will do nothing” . . . I couldn’t agree more with this statement. It is up to all of us to look in the mirror and ask what are we DOING. The same principle of organization and collective action (not isolated complaining) applies to all Armenians wherever they reside. The situation is not much different, ironically, in the diaspora. If you are by yourself, not involved in anything, chances are very slight that you will make any difference. if we want to see the country truly improve–and not overrun by the crises, disillusionment, and sporadic violence–we have to find (or create) platforms to get directly involved in.
Excellent comments by Berj Bahtiarian, I am 100% in agreement with you sir.
Thank you Mr. Aprahamian for setting the record straight about all this talk of stuffed ballots. You have identified the correct way to ensure democratic rule in Armenia. We certainly do not need violence, we do not need any coloured revolution, we do not need another Syria, Iraq or Libya. Two of our own policemen killed is too much. I am glad to hear voices of reason such as yours.