Yesterday RA presidential candidate Vahan Hovhannisyan spread an announcement, which specifically says, “I address to you personally as a presidential candidate. All this time I did not spear effort to keep competition within a constructive political debate and ask the citizens to make a decision for the sake and not against. I tried to persuade our citizens that victory is possible. I failed. The election campaign was overwhelmed by hatred and intolerance, intimidation and threats. It certainly affected the voting. Various election fraud, election bribes, violence at some polling stations, ballot stuffing sharpened the suspicion and lack of confidence which aggravated among the society from election to election. The right of free expression of the political will of people was shortened, and the dignity of our citizens was hurt. The ARF Dashnaktsutyun Supreme Body is studying all the reports from the regions, polling stations to make an assessment and afterwards a statement. However, despite this assessment I have made a decision. I resign from the post of deputy speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia. Those who are trying today to follow the path of upheaval must remember and understand what a crime against our people they had committed by blatantly falsifying the 1996 presidential elections and setting in motion a vote-rigging machine which we can not stop to this day. Once again, the people’s right to express their political will freely and the dignity of our citizens were trampled underfoot. And finally 100.000 people trusted me. They gave their votes to me. This gives me grounds to believe that in Armenia I have a huge army of supporters, who are able to struggle for their fatherland. I am thankful to the ones, who have voted honestly and didn’t get impacted by others’ influence. That way it became possible to get rid of hatred, greediness and fear. And of course I am thankful to my Dashnak friends, all my teammates, who didn’t save any efforts to be next to me and support me. I wish success to all my rivals and I wish the future president wisdom and determination for making such reforms in the country so that in the next elections the authorities will not rely on money or other resources but will be able to rely on political forces and trust of the people I urge everyone to be tolerant and modest. Those who are next to the former government must remember the situation in 1996. I urge you not to be upset and disappointed and be prepared for our victory. The government shouldn’t rely on money, governmental resource or criminal elements. It should be based on the trust and creed of voters. Dear Compatriots, I urge you not to be upset and disappointed. I am with you and strong. Our struggle is a lasting struggle.”
