People Who Once Spoke of Electoral Bribery Are Now Actively Using That Tool, Says MP

The local elections demonstrated how the ruling Civil Contract party envisions its existence and the prolongation of its power. This was stated today by Anna Mkrtchyan, an MP from the Honorary Duty faction, during a press conference. She noted that there was a "total atmosphere of fear, seasoned with doses of lies" during yesterday's local elections.

"It is evident that those who once spoke of electoral bribery are now actively using that tool. Numerous media outlets have reported incidents of how representatives of the Civil Contract party are handing out money right on the streets, and how their regional governors, under the guise of providing assistance and support, distributed funds to citizens just 1-2 days before the elections. Yesterday, they attempted to intimidate all opposition members operating in the communities through terror, as these individuals represented a force that could pose challenges to the authorities," the MP stated.

She added that the authorities see the protection of their power only through the intensification of the climate of fear, while law enforcement is executing Nikol Pashinyan's orders, which have nothing to do with the law but are simply aimed at fulfilling "Nikol's desires." Mkrtchyan also pointed out that the creation of a climate of fear, lies, and deceit often has the opposite effect.

"We witnessed actual resistance in places where the government failed to achieve its desired success yesterday; this was simply the result of citizens standing their ground. The authorities left no opportunity unused to show that they can do whatever they want in Armenia, regardless of the law and legality," said the MP.