The Supreme Body of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Dashnaktsoutyun released a statement, which specifically reads,
“The past presidential election has become one more test for Armenia in its way to democratization. We can and must pass it. This way we will be able to resist the inner political and foreign challenges. The party regrets that there was an atmosphere of mutual hostility and hatred during the electoral campaign. There are several reasons for that, mutual hatred, hostility, threats, etc. The society was artificially polarized. On one hand there was the insatiable wish of the former government to restore its previous power, on the other hand the intention of the incumbent government to maintain its power no matter what it takes. The presidential candidate from ARFD Vahan Hovhannissyan did his best to keep the race within normal course so the country could develop in healthy atmosphere. However, his approach did not receive wide support. Hovhannissyan showed a firm and well-balanced position throughout the race. The voting process saw lots of violations. The supporters of the favorite-candidates openly bribed voters, stuffed ballot papers and even used force. The recount was also inappropriate. The country should suppress the post-electoral dissociation and restore the atmosphere of tolerance. In this situation ARFD is ready to play the role of a bridge. Summing up the reports from all regions and polling stations and taking into account the data published by the Central Electoral Commission and the positive reaction of international structures, the ARFD Supreme Body took a decision not to dispute the election returns and to wish good luck to newly-elected Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan. At the same time, remaining faithful to the Agreement on Cooperation signed in 2007, the party expresses its willingness to renounce its ministerial portfolios and appeals to the political coalition to suspend the cooperation.
Dear compatriots, because of the demand of stability and progress in our country we suggest and demand:
A. Investigate all the facts of electoral violations and punish the falsifiers,
B. The statement condemns the attempts to change the power by force, as well as the application of force against displeased people.
C. Immediate measures should be taken to consolidate the international image of Armenia.
D. Electoral system without criminal elements and use of administrative resource should be formed.
E. Real pluralism and freedom of speech.
F. Full possibilities for the opposition’s participation in the political life of the country should be ensured in Armenia.
G. The government should be able to lead the country along the path of democratic and socio-economic development.