Armenian Revolutionary Federation Supreme Assembly Heated Discussion on Ishkhan Saghatelyan's Candidacy

The Supreme Assembly of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), which commenced on June 9, concluded yesterday. A new composition of the ARF Supreme Body has been elected, reappointing Ishkhan Saghatelyan as the representative of the Supreme Body.

The newspaper "Zhoghovurd" reported that a series of issues concerning the party’s activities and strategy were discussed during the assembly, as well as the challenges facing the Republics of Armenia and Artsakh.

New details have emerged regarding the intensive nature of the ARF Supreme Assembly. It was revealed that there were notable disagreements, particularly regarding the candidacy of Ishkhan Saghatelyan for the position of the Supreme Body representative. Some party members opposed his candidacy, and reaching a consensus on Saghatelyan’s nomination was challenging.

In a conversation with "Zhoghovurd," ARF member and MP Kristine Vardanyan stated, “I confirm that the assembly was heated; all our assemblies are like that. Especially in the current situation, it could not have been otherwise, as there were discussions about the existing situation and ways out of it. During our assemblies, various opinions are continuously expressed, and there are no restrictions on those expressing those views; all party members freely express their opinions.”

When inquired about the election of the new ARF Supreme Body composition, she emphasized, “We always elect a composition, and if the majority of the assembly members oppose any of the nominees, there is no way that person can be elected. We truly have broad internal democracy; it is impossible for anyone's election to be realized in the ARF Supreme Body if the majority of the party is against it. If this composition was elected, it means the majority voted for it; there cannot be significant resistance regarding a single person while they are elected to the ARF Supreme Body.” This includes Ishkhan Saghatelyan’s election as the ARF Supreme Body representative, which we clarified with Vardanyan. “This applies to everyone, including primarily the election of the ARF Supreme Body representative,” she explained.

For more details, refer to today’s newspaper issue.