ArmInfo.The candidate for prime minister from the pre-election bloc "I Have the Honor", former head of the National Security Service Artur Vanetsyan hopes to win the early parliamentary elections.
"Today's elections are not just parliamentary elections. The question of the future existence of Armenia is being raised," he told reporters after voting at the 4/35 polling station. "The authorities are in agony, and all their steps are aimed at weakening the positions of the opposition. They understand that they will never be able to reproduce themselves, so they are making their last efforts to sit on their chairs," Vanetsyan said. The former head of the National Security Service pointed out numerous violations at the elections.
Commenting on the predictions about possible post-election clashes, the candidate for prime minister said that the authorities, not the opposition, are responsible for such a scenario. At the same time, in his opinion, there will be no such developments, since the elections will record who will become power in the country. Vanetsyan expressed hope that after the elections Armenia will live a calm and happy life. Extraordinary elections to the National Assembly of the 8th convocation have started in Armenia. From 08.00am local time, 2008 polling stations were opened throughout the republic in 38 territorial districts. 25 political forces are taking part in the elections: 4 blocs and 21 parties. The elections will be held on a 100% proportional system. The entry barrier for parties is set at 5%, for alliances - 7%. There is no turnout threshold.