STATEMENT BY ACTIVISTS
Story from Lragir.am News:
10:49 26/02/2013
Currently we have few evident facts; on February 18 the citizens
of the Republic of Armenia clearly rejected the criminal regime in
power through their suffrage and the majority of RA citizens who
participated in elections voted for Raffi Hovannisian thus making
him responsible for citizens’ votes.
Observing the election process in a number of polling stations we
witnessed how the elections were rigged. Thus there is no doubt that
the official election results do not reflect people’s true will.
Though as a group of social activists we have not been part of any
political team, neither has our group supported any candidate, nor
have everyone of us cast vote for Raffi Hovannisian, today we stand
to secure the vote of the majority of people who voted for him.
As RA citizens we assume responsibility to protect the suffrage as we
protect soldier’s right for life in the army and fight for justice,
as we protected public area and social interests in Mashtots Park,
as we fight for social justice in Teghut for the sake of social
holdings and people’s right to live in a healthy and prosperous
environment. In all the above stated endeavors we were guided solely
by the rights laid down in the RA Constitution. During this struggle
we will remain committed to the values and principals adopted by us;
the rule of law, open and transparent public hearings, involvement
of people willing to participate in the decision making process and
not making any private decisions, arrangements or agreements.
The first step has already been taken. We have rejected the OSCE’s
faulty reports on elections and mentioned that during their press
conference. Though the RA citizens have witnessed and reported a number
of cases of flagrant electoral fraud and violations, international
observers continue to legitimize the rigged elections by violating
the democratic values adopted by themselves and applying double
standards. Similar values should not exist in our country.
We consider that the results of the falsified elections should be
declared void and new elections should be held. We will focus all our
resources to secure fair elections. The Republic of Armenia should
have a legally elected president. Irrespective of political views,
vote, party affiliation and one’s own antipathy, we urge all civil
initiatives, parties, presidential candidates, individuals, briefly all
the RA citizens to unite for the sake of fair elections. At the same
time we urge all citizens, particularly young people and students,
to demonstrate direct civil disobedience through peaceful actions
and announce general and student strikes aiming for invalidation of
election results. We don’t recognize any hero or redeemer. We recognize
and believe in you, RA citizens; you are to form government and you
are to follow up your own suffrage.