Armenia’s parliamentary vote a test for Sarkisian
Published May 06, 2012
Associated Press

YEREVAN, Armenia – Armenians are voting for a new parliament, and the
nation’s president hopes the election will give him a majority among
the legislators.

President Serge Sarkisian’s Republican Party is expected to win
Sunday’s election, but it is aiming for a majority in the 131-seat
Parliament to avoid having to form a coalition.

The party now holds 62 seats, just shy of a majority.

The voting also is seen as a test of public support for Sarkisian, who
comes up for re-election in the former Soviet state next year.

His main coalition partner, the Prosperous Armenia party, has grown
increasingly critical of the Republicans and hopes for a bigger share
in Parliament and the Cabinet.