Vahan Hovhannisian Resigns

VAHAN HOVHANNISIAN RESIGNS

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22 February, 2008

Dear compatriots,

I apply to you as a RA presidential candidate. During the election
race I have only employed political methods based on ideological and
moral values.

I have shared no effort to carry on a struggle in the realms of
political constructive debates. I simply did my best to assure our
people that it is possible to gain a victory. But I failed.

An atmosphere of intolerance, hatred, intimidation and threats reigned
throughout the whole campaign.

Obviously, it left its stigma on the election outcome.

Numerous irregularities, large-scale bribery, violations at polling
stations, ballot stuffing strengthen people’s distrust and doubt
towards elections.

Once more they confined people’s right to expression, political
will-power and violated our civilians’ dignity.

The Supreme Board of the ARC Dashnaktsutiun studies reports submitted
by the RA marzes and polling stations. We shall make an assessment
and issue a relevant statement after a thorough study of all reports.

Nevertheless, I have made a decision. I am going to resign from the
post of Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.

I am grateful to all those who voted for me and believed in me. I
thank all those who voted frankly and were not lured by bribes. Once
more I thank my ARFD companions, my supporters and our team as their
devotion, confidence and belief cheered me up.

I call for restraint and resolve.

I wish success to all my contenders and wisdom and resoluteness to
Armenia’s next president. I wish him to make reforms in the country. I
wish the authorities no longer employed administrative resources. I
wish they gained the vote of confidence of public and political forces.

Dear, compatriots, I call on you not to give in or become
disappointed. Ours is a lasting struggle.