Sociologist calls on U.S. ambassador to apologize

PanARMENIAN.Net - Head of Sociometer sociological center Aharon Adibekyan slammed the statement of U.S. ambassador to Armenia John Heffern urging the latter to apologize to the Armenian people for his words referring to the elections.

Earlier Heffern declared that a survey by National Democratic Institute (NDI) indicated that only 12% of Armenian citizens believe the parliamentary voting will be held fairly, and voiced surprise as to how people with such attitude to elections can participate in the voting.

Adibekyan cited Sociometer’s survey showing that only 29.9 per cent of respondents believe the elections will see serious violations affecting the outcome, while another 27.3% think there will be minor violations that will have no influence on the elections.

Meanwhile, 40% of those 70% who will definitely vote say there will be grave breaches.

According to the sociologist, only 10.6% of respondents were ready to “sell” their votes.

Adibekyan reminded the U.S. diplomat that it was the democratic U.S. that faced the Watergate case and scandal during 2010 presidential race between George W. Bush and Albert Gore.

“Mr. Heffern has nothing to worry about; the elections will take place because the people know why they go for voting and what they expect. Meanwhile, we expect Mr. Heffern to apologize for insulting the Armenian people, or punish those who misinformed him,” Adibekyan declared.

The sociologist also voiced discontent over the work of his foreign colleagues in Armenia, particularly the Gallup Institute and NDI.

“I feel hurt for the Armenian people. I’ve always argued with my customers. People come to Armenia considering it to be some African country, and introduce their own methodology,” he stated.