Ruling party rep. says RPA holds debates with Prosperous Armenia only

PanARMENIAN.Net - Deputy chairman of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) Galust Sahakyan held a press conference on May 2.

When asked why RPA does not participate in debates, Sahakyan replied that debates are usually organized between political forces which have some proximity in their activities.

According to the ruling party representative, RPA and Prosperous Armenia are the most powerful actors in this election campaign, while others are below the 10-12% threshold.

“Let them have debates to see who is stronger in this area,” Sahakyan said.

RPA senior member had earlier urged his party members not to take part in debates.

Samvel Farmanyan is so far the only RPA member who participated in debates with his opposition rival Vladimir Karapetyan nominated by Armenian National Congress, with the talk broadcast by ArmNews TV company.

Parliamentary elections are due in Armenia on May 6 featuring 8 political parties (Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), Prosperous Armenia, ARF Dashnaktsutyun (ARFD), Orinats Yerkir, Heritage, Democratic Party of Armenia (DPA), Communist Party of Armenia and United Armenian party, as well as one election bloc represented by opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC).