Comments on: Raffi Hovannisian Seeks Public Support for 2008 Presidential Bid

by: Ara Manoogian

Thu, 17 Nov 2005 13:05:25 +0000

From what I understand is that Kocharian is eligible for the post of president because back when NKR declared independence, Armenia recognized them as a part of Armenia and NKR recognized Armenia as a part of NKR. Later on NKR reversed their decision, but Armenia never reversed theirs. For this reason, anyone who is a citizen of NKR is automatically a citizen of Armenia, thus eligible to have the post of president.

by: Administrator

Tue, 15 Nov 2005 08:51:13 +0000

Ara Manoogian also considers this news important for Armenia's future democtratization. Meanwhile, despite most Armenian citizens say they consider Hovannisian to be the cleanest and most suitable of all politicians in Armenia, some of the readers at Blogrel don't agree. In particular, one reader says Hovannisian doesn't "look" presidential. Here's my response posted on Blogrel earlier: I never knew “looking” presidential was necessary to run for the post, and anyway, that’s a very subjective thing. I mean, in my opinion, Bush doesn’t “look” presidential, and nor does Blair “look” prime ministerial. Not sure Kocharian looks “presidential” either, or for that matter, does Saakashvili. What matters most, perhaps, is whether the Armenian people want Hovannisian to run. Isn’t that what democracy is all about — who “looks” presidential in the eyes of the people? Certainly, he’s considered a man of the people, and through ACNIS, NCI and Heritage is engaging elements of society in debate over matters of importance. The only criticism I’ve heard from a small number of Armenians who wouldn’t vote for him is that he’s still an “outsider.” His stance on the constitutional amendments is a bit more controversial (he is against them), but otherwise, he is the most “professional” of all the politicians in Armenia today. On the other hand, I think Heritage shouldn’t have pulled out of the 2003 parliamentary elections, although for sure, the 2007 elections offer a greater chance for democratization in Armenia. Anyway, I can tell you from speaking to people here that most of them would welcome Hovannisian’s inclusion in the battle to follow Kocharian. Let the voters decide, surely?

by: Administrator

Mon, 14 Nov 2005 20:28:06 +0000

Hovakim at Blogrel also thinks Hovannisian will not be allowed to run for president. He’s probably right as Hovannisian represents too much of a threat to too many people with too much to lose. Anyway, as everyone is on moderation over at Blogrel, here’s the comment I posted to Hovakim’s post:

[…] without prior public service Raffi or anyone else simply lacks the experience or power base to run for presidents. So, incumbents have an advantage.

Wasn’t he the first Foreign Minister? Besides, regarding your point about incumbents, in 2008 Kocharian can’t run again unless he plays around with the constitutional court and gets a ruling that if the amendments are passed, he can turn the counter back to zero for the presidential term restriction.

Although Kocharian will attempt to hand pick his successor if he doesn’t plan to run for a third term, one hopes that we’ll have democratic elections by 2007 and 2008.

If Heritage and other opposition parties (and also, pro-government ones split on the issue of succession to Kocharian) manage to win a sizeable number of seats in the 2007 parliamentary elections, it’s entirely possible that a power base will be there.

Let’s see.

Certainly, most Armenians appear to think that he is the best candidate for the presidency and I think we can expect Hovannisian to become more and more active in the area of opposition politics from the date of the referendum to that of the parliamentary elections.

Still, you’re right with the main issue. That is, given his popularity, the present authorities will not allow him to run for president.