Second day of presidential campaign, Ter-Petrosyan’s rally
January 23rd, 2008 by anush
It turns into an obsession for me to cover Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s rallies, but this time it was an unpleasant one, too cold, although warmer than it’s been these days. Probably that’s why there were mostly men there, and much less of the little old ladies that seemed to be half of the supporters during previous rallies. The number of people was pretty much the same as before, but before almost all the people were from Yerevan, and this time most of them came from regions.
I personally know only one supporter of Ter-Petrosyan. But possibly I should do a better job at asking people around. Because, if I know one supporter of Ter-Petrosyan, of Serge Sargysan’s I know none. And that’s pretty sad considering that he’s the main presidential candidate. I should say that it isn’t a matter of the age of people I ask, I try to ask different people. The supporters of these two candidates seem so distant.
I live in Shahumyan district, which is close to Bangladesh (not the country) and far from Yerevan’s centre. While I’m shaking in the marshrutka taking me to the centre I get to see a whole bunch of stuff going on in the town. For a long time my main amusement was watching the bridge next to the Barekamutyun metro being built. Now I see on the bridge Serge Sargsyan’s slogan repeated several times: “Araj Hayastan”. Go ahead Armenia!.. do something finally… The city was full with posters and billboards of Sargsyan and none of Ter-Petrosyan. And for that matter, there are no signs of other candidates either on the streets. Is it too early or something?
For one day the rally was good enough. The march too seemed pretty successful. Details and reporting on the rally and the march can be found here on the A1+ website.
Onnik Krikorian Says
Interesting point about the lack of campaign advertising although Serge’s posters went up only on day 1 and day 2 of the official pre-election campaign period. Haven’t seen anything else apart from some small Dashnak posters.
All very strange, and I have to say, there is something very, very wrong with this election. Something very wrong indeed.
Jan 23rd, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Anush Says
Well, I’m sure you’re less surprized about this than you sound, having lived here for some time now….
Jan 23rd, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Onnik Krikorian Says
No, actually, because what I mean is that there’s something not right with Levon Ter-Petrosian materializing like this and the way both the pro-government and pro-opposition media are trying to increase his chances of being the main contender to Serzh.
When I say wrong, basically, there’s something more than meets the eye to Levon’s return and as it isn’t actually the people demanding his candidacy, I have to wonder what’s the real story. Still, soon we’ll know, I guess.
BTW: Apart from most of the guys in Sksela I know nobody who supports Ter-Petrosian (I mean, friends or people I work with). Instead, many students say they’ll vote for Serge or Artur, but most Armenians don’t like any of the candidates.
However, while a few say they will vote for Levon to stop Serge becoming president if need be, many more say they will vote for Serge even though they don’t like him, because they hate Levon more. Even 19-year olds remember the days of no power and no heat while Levon’s government lived it up and got rich.
Anyway, the sad thing is that there is no real option being given for this election, and there are those trying to manufacture this Levon vs. Serge battle. Well, that will probably come true now, but it’s not democracy, and it’s a choice of the bad or even worse.
I am now very worried about Armenia’s future, and I’m afraid to say, the return of Ter-Petrossian and some of the people around him concerns me as well.
Jan 23rd, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Anush Says
You’re right about the lack of choice. I, too, like too many people, still have not decided.
Jan 23rd, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Onnik Krikorian Says
Still, I think that most people are confused about the choices on offer and especially not happy with the idea of choosing between Serge and Levon. Vazgen Manukian described it as a choice “between the lesser of two evils.”
Jan 23rd, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Samuel Says
Despite of some tactical mistakes of Levon Ter Petrosian during the compaign, I am convinced that there is a mission ,that he is trying to perform, it is regarding of future of Armenia ,enforce Democrasy in established and atractive Country,;There is an advise ,in so many Years in silence, I hope our people will be able to see reality and let him to perform the mission,
We need first of all,Democrasy as bread and water,but see what is going on all around,Dictatorship is going in depth,
I think Raffi has taken right steps so far,regarding the unity of opposition parties,…
Jan 24th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Samuel Says
Despite of some tactical mistakes of Levon Ter Petrosian during the El.compaghn ,I am convinced that he is trying to achive not only the Seat of Presidency,but he has a Mission regarding the established and atractive Armenia ;in which is leading Democrasy,Governing the State by Laws but not Persons,Here is the Key,
See what is going on there,Dictatorship has gone in depth, but after electing of Serzh ,it will go more,to depth, it will be unbearable,
I hope the people will be able to see the reality ,and bravely make right decision,let him to perform his mission, God Bless Armenia
Jan 24th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Levon Paronyan Says
Vahan Hovhannisyan will be Serzh’s contender in the second round of elections, not Levon Ter-Petrosyan. Vahan Hovhannisyan already can gather a guaranteed 15% to 20% of the vote based on Dashnaktsutyun’s support in Armenia. In my opinion, he will soon receive Vazgen Manukyan’s endoresement along with Raffi Hovhannisian’s, which should guarantee him another 5% to 10%. If he pulls 25% in the first round, which there is a strong basis for that he will, he will most definitely be the candidate in the second round.
LTP can not garner more than 10% of the vote. It is more and more looking like he is a scarecrow pushed forth by the authorities to scare them into voting for Serzh because LTP is widely unpopular in the country, even more so than Serzh I would say.
As for Artur Baghdasaryan, his Orinats Yerkir party received far less votes in the parliamentery elections than Dashnaktsutyun. Where is he going to make up the difference?
Now, I am waiting for announcements from both Vazgen Manukyan’s camp and Raffi’s Heritage party on their endoresment of Vahan Hovhannisyan. I predict that after such these endorsements, a couple of the other presidential candidates will throw their support behind Vahan Hovhannisyan and by the time the elections arrive the remaining candidates will be Serzh, Vahan, Levon, and Artur.
Jan 30th, 2008 at 9:43 pm