The recordings published almost daily in connection with the alleged vote-buying case involving the Strong Armenia alliance serve political purposes and are aimed at targeting the political force, according to Gohar Meloyan, third on the alliance’s electoral list, Factor.am reports.
“We have absolutely no need to distribute bribes because the natural flow of people toward our political force speaks for itself. Why would we hand out bribes? We enjoy tremendous public affection and respect, and people join us voluntarily, even under the current pressure. The large gatherings you have witnessed are proof of that,” Meloyan said.
According to her, the authenticity of the recordings has not been established, they have not undergone expert examination and it remains unclear who the speakers in the recordings are.
“The recordings released by the Anti-Corruption Committee have one purpose: to damage public perceptions of our political force and discredit us,” she said.
Commenting on references in the recordings to avoiding discussions over open communication channels, Meloyan suggested those elements could also be provocative in nature.
“I repeat that all of this must be examined. At least on paper, this country is a legal and democratic state, and what is being done now contradicts the logic of both democracy and the rule of law,” she said.
Asked about Strong Armenia’s candidate for prime minister, Samvel Karapetyan, and the process of renouncing foreign citizenship, Meloyan said the procedure is technically complex and time-consuming.
“As we have already stated, the process has begun and is ongoing. There is no fixed deadline defining when citizenship ceases in this country. As for when the termination will formally take effect, Mr. Vardevanyan can provide a more precise answer,” she said.
Meloyan also addressed reports claiming that Narek Karapetyan, the first candidate on the alliance’s electoral list, holds Russian citizenship, describing the allegations as manipulative. She added that legal proceedings for defamation and insult have already been initiated.
Asked against whom the lawsuits had been filed, she replied: “Against those who exploited this issue, especially public officials. Naturally, they should begin facing consequences for their statements.”
Responding to a question about whether the alliance intends to sue Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for calling Samvel Karapetyan a spy, Meloyan said all such statements are being reviewed.
“If I am not mistaken, my colleagues are already taking action regarding all of those statements. Mr. Vardevanyan will provide details, but we will seek legal remedies for all instances of defamation, insults and statements containing elements of criminal conduct, both through criminal complaints and civil proceedings,” Meloyan said.
The election campaign, which began on May 8, will continue until June 5. June 6 will be a day of silence, and voting will take place on June 7. On May 25, the Alliance Progressive Centrist Party announced its withdrawal from the race. Following the request, the Central Electoral Commission revoked the registration of the party’s electoral list. As a result, ballot number 13 will not appear in the upcoming elections.
