In a few months Karabagh is going to conduct elections, however the political life of Karabagh continues to stay “passive and silent”.
The political forces of the country “shine” with their quietness and as they say “sleep in the ear of the camel.” However, this quietness is only from the side and the society insists that the possible nominees are already picked. And this means that the unofficial campaign has already started. It’s not yet known who’s going to be nominated and what party is going to lead but the bad thing is that during this important period the “strong competition” doesn’t exist.
It’s interesting to know, who the political forces are going to rely on. Here perhaps many assumptions may be drawn. Perhaps some of them are waiting for the results of the Armenian Parliamentary elections (despite the fact that most of them insist that Armenia’s elections cannot anyhow have any impact on the presidential elections of Karabagh); others are waiting for the decision of the current president – whether he’ll be nominated again or not (despite the fact that he said he’s not going to be nominated again). The rest perhaps don’t have a favorable candidate and are waiting for the candidates to appear. Another part of political forces just doesn’t care. In the opinion of the specialist such quietness on the part of the opposition is both surprising and negative. They believe that political monopoly can never give good results. The interesting thing is that the Karabagh media and certain NGOs seem to be more active than the parties.
Recently the “Open Society” NGO and “Unity” NGO of Karabagh have conducted social polls to find out what people think about the presidential candidates and elections overall. 300 people participated in the polls – 150 from Stepanakert, 25 people each from Askeran, Martuni, Martakert, Hadrut, Shushi and Kashatagh regions. To the first question of the polls – “Can there be free and fair elections in Karabagh?” 109 people answered yes. 139 people gave a negative answer and 52 people abstained.
The second question related to the three main character traits, which are most necessary for the President of the country. Many of the questioned ones mentioned patriotism, diplomatic flexibility, smartness and honesty. To the question, “In your opinion what political orientation the Presid4ent of the country must have”, 61 people (40 of who are from Stepanakert) answered – Europe-oriented. 109 people, 37 of who are from Stepanakert, 19 from Hadrout and 14 from Martakert are more inclined to Russian orientation. 1/5 of the inquired ones are supporters of complementary politics.
To the question, “Which policy of NKR president would be acceptable for you?”,109 people answered independence; uniting with Armenia – 56 people; 6 people mentioned status under the mandate of EU or other international organization; 3 people mentioned peace; 9 people mentioned stability whatever it takes; compromises for the sake of peace – 5; involvement in regional project – 3. Eight people hesitated to answer the question. The last question was the most interesting one – “Who would you like to see President of NKR?” 117 people preferred not to mention names because they don’t see relevant candidates. 34 people mentioned the name of the head of NKR National Security Service, Bako Sahakyan (the ones, who prefer him are men below 35). 31 people mentioned the name of the Speaker of NKR Parliament, Ashot Ghulyan (mainly women below 35), 26 people mentioned the name of the deputy minister of foreign affairs, Masis Mailyan (mainly 35-50 year-old men).
18 people mentioned the name of the current president of NKR, Arkadi Ghukasyan (mainly people at the age of 35-50); 16 people mentioned the name of Armenia’s president, Robert Kocharyan; 10 people – NKR defense minister, Seyran Ohanyan; 8 people – head of the “ARF-Movement 88” deputy group of NKR Parliament, Armen Sargsyan and five people – former NKR defense minister, Samvel Babayan – 5. 4 votes each received NKR MP Artur Tovmasyan (all of them from Martakert), Levon Hayrapetyan, famous businessmen (everybody from Stepanakert), RA defense minister, Serj Sargsyan (everybosy from Kashatagh). One vote each received Arpat Avanesyan (NKR MP), Artur Aghabekyan (RA defense deputy-minister), Marat Hakobjanyan (NKR Minister of Urbanization), Gegham Baghdasaryan (NKR MP), Ararat Danielyan (NKR deputy prime-minister), Armen Zalinyan (NKR prosecutor-general), Samvel Karapetyan (NKR deputy defense minister), General Artur Mosiyan, Georgi Petrosyan (NKR minister of foreign affairs) and Khosrov Ohanyan.