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Though the snap parliamentary election campaigning is set to officially launch on 26 November, it already started in Armenia when the political forces published their election lists, political analyst Tevan Poghosyan told a news conference on Wednesday.

Poghosyan, who also heads the International Center for Human Development, says a new culture of debates has emerged in Armenia ahead of the snap polls when the candidates running as an MP take to social media, go live on Facebook or give a news conference to reflect on various issues in the country.

“If they manage to present their approaches rather than trade accusations, maybe we can state that this new culture will really bring about discussions on ideas and programs,” the expert said.

He predicted a quiet election campaign during which everyone will have an opportunity to share their ideas.
“Obviously, a game of ‘blacks’ and ‘whites’ has already started at some extent which seems to have become a pre-election PR tool for some parties. There is a party that attempts to fully assume the role of the ‘black’, while the rest speak about good programs and approaches as of now. After 26 November it will become clear where all this will take,” he added.

The expert urged the political figures running for parliament to elaborate clear-cut wording and approaches and actually talk about their programs. He believes the country will embark on a normal working phase after the elections and approval of the government program.

“I want to see a National Assembly that is able to act in line with the parliamentary system of government, where there will be dialogues,” he added, stressing the need to control the executive branch to prevent it from deviating from its programs.