Strong Armenia: We are witnessing yet another instance of violations of electo

The Strong Armenia party has issued a statement regarding the arrests in Stepanavan, which reads as follows: 

“Today, we are witnessing yet another instance of violations of electoral processes by the Pashinyan administration. 

Just days before the local self-government elections in Stepanavan, Arsen Gevorgyan, the Strong Armenia party’s candidate for head of the Stepanavan community, and 14 of his supporters have been arrested.

Driven by political motives and expediency, footage captured by hidden cameras has been used, and edited videos have been disseminated.

This is not democracy. It is a dangerous pattern of abusing the law and state institutions solely to retain power at any cost – a situation in which accusations are made before facts are established, and political retribution is presented as justice.

We are witnessing the same anti-democratic conduct for which European institutions criticized Pashinyan’s administration following the national elections in June.

According to a recent PACE report, electoral irregularities were recorded in nearly half of the polling stations.

While Pashinyan speaks of democratic elections, his actions are characteristic of a dictator. These arrests are not only anti-democratic but also run counter to the interests of Stepanavan residents who want change.

Pashinyan seeks to establish total control over Armenia so that he can fulfill all of Aliyev’s demands and make further concessions. One such concession is the version of TRIPP that is disadvantageous to Armenia and serves Azerbaijan’s interests rather than Armenia’s. Such concessions will not bring peace; instead, they will only lead to further aggression by Azerbaijan.

Change is coming, and it is near, regardless of Pashinyan’s actions.

We urge the voters of Stepanavan: do not be afraid – participate in the vote!

Your vote is secret, and through your participation, change can begin right here in Stepanavan.”