Navigating the "Dust of Votes": Veteran Politician Azat Arshakyan's Urgent Call for Unity and Western Integration
31-03-2026 16:52:20 | Armenia | Interviews
In a recent comprehensive interview hosted by the Noyan Tapan media network, veteran public and political figure Azat Arshakyan delivered a stark warning regarding the trajectory of Armenian politics ahead of the highly anticipated parliamentary elections. Arshakyan, who served as a deputy in the Supreme Council and National Assembly from 1990 to 1999, offered a critical assessment of the current electoral code, the geopolitical crossroads facing the nation, and the perilous fragmentation of political forces.
Breaking Political Retirement for the "Eurovote"
Arshakyan candidly admitted that he had previously considered himself a "political pensioner" with no further career ambitions. However, he was persuaded to return to the political arena by prominent figures such as Aram Sargsyan, Tigran Khzmalyan, Arman Babajanyan, and Hovsep Khurshudyan to support the "Eurovote" signature campaign aimed at European integration.
While he viewed the overall national campaign for European integration as a major success, he acknowledged the recent setbacks in local self-government elections in Gyumri and Vagharshapat. Arshakyan attributed these defeats to a lack of preparation for local-level campaigning, noting that their coalition's focus was inherently national. Addressing comments made by Republic Party leader Aram Sargsyan regarding the failure of unified action to boost ratings, Arshakyan remained optimistic about their prospects in the national parliamentary elections if they conduct a professional and unified campaign.
A "Disastrous" Electoral Law and the Threat of Pocket Parties
A central theme of the Noyan Tapan broadcast was Arshakyan's fierce critique of Armenia's current electoral system, which he bluntly characterized as a "disaster". He argued that the legal framework fundamentally discourages unity, highlighting the disparity where a single party must surpass a 4% threshold to enter parliament, while alliances are penalized with a daunting 8% requirement.
"The law dictates separatism," Arshakyan stated, arguing that the system should instead foster a culture of consolidation and compromise. This flawed framework, he explained, has led to a dangerous "dusting of votes" and the creation of numerous "pocket parties" funded by oligarchs and individuals with criminal backgrounds.
Arshakyan did not mince words regarding these actors, insisting that the state must exercise political will to bar anti-state and criminal elements from participating in elections. "When an oligarch with a criminal profile comes to Armenia and creates a political party, it means he wants to usurp power," he warned, demanding that such forces be legally prohibited from the political process.
The Geopolitical Imperative: Leaving the "Outpost" Behind
On the matter of Armenia's foreign policy, Arshakyan firmly planted his flag in the pro-Western camp. He asserted that integration with the European Union and the West is the only path that guarantees Armenia's democracy, independence, and economic development.
Arshakyan sharply criticized forces advocating for deeper ties with the Eurasian Economic Union or a return to a Russian-dominated sphere, arguing that such paths lead to the erosion of Armenian national identity and statehood. He urged that Armenia must be pulled out of its status as a foreign "outpost" or "military base" and instead serve its own sovereign interests. "The West is coming here because they have an interest; our viable state is in the interests of the West," he explained.
A Call for True Political Competition
Turning his attention to the ruling Civil Contract party, Arshakyan noted that while they successfully passed the European integration law following the citizen signature campaign, they have failed to cultivate a healthy, pro-state political environment. Eight years after the revolution, he lamented, "counter-revolutionary" forces heavily funded by questionable sources are attempting a resurgence. He urged the ruling party to foster legitimate, democratic competition rather than allowing the political arena to be dominated by actors seeking to "liquidate the state".
As the election approaches, Arshakyan issued a direct plea to the Armenian public: reject bribery and the allure of well-funded but anti-democratic parties. "Do not commit suicide, do not kill our country," he urged the audience. Instead, he called on voters to support Western-oriented forces dedicated to Armenia's independence and democratic development, hoping that the collective will of the people can overcome the structural flaws and "dusting" of the current electoral landscape.
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