YEREVAN (A.W.)—On March 14, Armenia’s Constitutional Court rejected the claims by two of the Feb. 18 presidential candidates, Raffi Hovannisian and Andreas Ghukasyan, that the election was rigged, thus reaffirming the re-election of Serge Sarkisian.
Hovannisian and Ghukasyan had applied to the court, requesting that it reject the election results. The court, however, denied the claim, upholding the Central Election Commission’s (CEC) assessment that there had not been any violations.
According to the CEC, Sarkisian secured 58.64 percent of the 1,521,261 votes cast, while his closest rival, Raffi Hovannisian, garnered 36.75 percent of the votes.
Hovannisian insists he is the real winner, and has demanded that authorities relinquish power to the people.
On March 10, Hovannisian began a hunger strike, telling his supporters at a Barevolution rally on Freedom Square in Yerevan that Serge Sarkisian will be sworn in as president “over my dead body.” Sarkisian’s inauguration is expected to take place on April 9.
The court upheld the decision that “there were NO violations?” Even the OSCE acknowledged that there were SOME violations. This shows the zero credibility of the Armenian Constitutional Court, and the lack of judicial independence in Armenia. Which makes the need for change so much more urgent.
Ok, so time for Raffi and the pro-democracy movement to keep on their struggle for change, whether it’s through local elections, or civil disobedience. Either way, they cannot afford not to continue their struggle. And we, as Diasporans, cannot afford not to show our support for them.
Congratulations RoA Constitutional Court on a wise decision: your sober, considered decision will strengthen the trust in the nascent civil institutions of 3rd Republic of Armenia. The 58% of those who voted for President Sargsyan can now feel confident that the CC will not be swayed by theatrics and grandstanding of the losing side, and will render decisions according to Law and the Constitution of RoA.
Congratulations duly re-elected President Sargsyan. Godspeed.
May God and wisdom guide you after you place your hand on the Holy Armenian Bible and start your 2nd presidential term as the President of the 3rd Republic of Armenia. Overwhelming majority of those who had the legal right to choose between you and many worthy contenders – chose you.
Now that the election is over, no need to remind you, Sir, that you are the President of all citizens of RoA.
Including those who voted against you.
It is your duty and responsibility to do your very best to leave an Armenia that is stronger, safer, more secure, more prosperous, with a lower rate of poverty, with a stronger economy, with a more vibrant, happier population who can build on a strong foundation – after your term ends.
We, the silent majority in the Armenian Diaspora support you, Mr. President.
How do you just turn a blind eye to the corruption? To the bribe system? To the intimidation? To the oligarch system, most all alive, thriving and in places a result of the “58% winner”?
BTW i can care less about Hovanessian. I care about the Armenian PEOPLE and its betterment. Not who is president.
Avery!!!
Hold it there please.You are not authorized by the Majority of Armenians in Diaspora to use word¨silent¨.We are not such.We have the God given right to shout(if need be) that we shall never be silent again!!! enough is over enough!!!
Things that you ought to Plea Serge Sargsyan to do -if he stays as such post-is and I suggest:-(take it or leave it format)
1. have amount necessary for procuring some 100 Garbage collecting (ultra modern) trucks to take care of this primary necessity of capital city of RA.
2.Authorize the Diaspora Minsitry to admit 5 permanent RESIDENT delegates from 5 main Diaspora in Ministry,N.&.S.Americas,EU,RF and Middle East.
3.instruct all consulates of RA to issue Special Residency passports(free of charge9 to all Armenian Young who wish to visit RA.
4.Aside from culture, language and history teaching while said Young visit RA,to have them (togetherwith Armneian army recruits) undergo 1-2 months military cadet trainings.
5. Make sure next foreign aid or Loans that are extended to RA, apply to all kinds of agricultural needs for our farmers,plus small loans to forge ahead.
6. Instead of putting more benches in parks of Yerevan,Asphalt all streets in Yerevan(downton at the very least,as well as highway to Airport(widened).latter is important in order that after elaving that beautifull New Airport(constructed byu Edward Eurnekian) deserves a road as said.
Just a few prelimianry PLAIN and simple Projects.
Next, in his diplomatic quests/visits ,especially to Russia,asl latter to restart all ex sovit built factories in Armenia!!!!!!!
Hama haigagani SIRO
Gaytzag Palandjian