Well-known Armenians of Diaspora will personally follow the RA upcoming elections (video)
Armenian intellectuals of the Diaspora Serj Tankian, Atom Egoyan, Erik Nazaryan, Arsinee Khanjian state that in April, 2017 they will be in Yerevan and will personally follow the course of elections. Already more than 4400 participants from around the world have joined “Justice Armenia” initiative. One part of them will also come to Armenia in April and will carry out observation mission. “Justice Armenia” initiative is going to carry out control over the course of elections, which will hinder the authorities to be reproduced. Aren’t the participants concerned that the authorities will try to hinder the implementation of this initiative by various methods, for example, they will not be allowed to carry out observation mission. In reply to the question by “A1+”, Arsinee Khanjian notes, “If they prohibit, it will turn out that there are no absolutely free rights in this country. If the authorities decide to take such steps, those steps themselves will prove the reality, which we touch upon. There is a general approach, to somehow hold the authorities accountable, if they try to violate the citizens’ and observers’ democratic rights during the elections. Hrant Tokhatyan doesn’t have such expectations, taking into account the list of people, who have joined the initiative. “They will hardly act like that towards such people.” Serj Tankian hasn’t answered this question. The ides of controlling the course of elections has been rooted after July events in Yerevan, when the rights of citizens were roughly violated. Then even Arsinee Khanjian was taken into police station. According to Serj Tankian they aim at raising the consciousness of the people, “The problem is not in parties and the leadership, but for whom the people vote. The matter is the people’s will.” Tankian is inspired by Armenian youth, “I am inspired by the young people, who not only participate in our concerts, but are also participants of various gatherings.” Were the previous nationwide elections rigged? “Not transparent and incorrect elections have been held in Armenia for many times,” said Arsinee Khanjian.
