Writing for E-channel, Artak Vardanyan says that almost every political party in Armenia appears to be resorting to what could be considered bribery in order to attract votes and party membership ahead of the May parliamentary election. Of course, attempts by Prosperous Armenia to do this through charitable assistance and public events are well known, but this article highlights the fact that Orinats Yerkir, now in opposition to the Government, is also guilty.

Interestingly, as was posted here, youth in Armenia seem more than happy to sell their votes. Incidentally, the translation of Orinats Yerkir as Country of Legality might confuse, but the original Armenian confirms it is the OYP.

Alina’s neighbors are used to her daily lessons and rehearsals. She has graduated from the piano department at Arno Babajanyan College of music. Currently, she studies singing at the State Theater of Singing. She dreams of entering the world of Armenian show business in order to demonstrate her talent and to become celebrated. She has worked out a number of options to join show business and thinks she has selected the easiest one.

“I had heard that if you become a party member, and you are a little bit active, they will help you. I thought for a while and decided to apply to Country of Legality party,” Alina says.

Country of Legality party has helped her to record a song and to take part in various concerts. The only requirement was that she should be present at the party meetings and events.

“Actually, I was not interested in those gatherings and actions, and I hardly participated in the sessions. And now Country of Legality cannot help me anymore,” Alina says.

[…]

[…] Alina has left Country of Legality, and is going to join Prosperous Armenia party. She says there are better conditions here.

Before that, she has managed to take advantage of another party as well.

“I decided to tempt my fate and applied to join the Republican Party. I told them that I can sing and play very well. Also, I performed for them and told them that my father was dead, and I could not pay tuition. They said they would help me but I should join the party. And I agreed.”

[…]

“Well, I don’t thin I am doing anything wrong,” Alina says. “What else are the parties for? Also, they help us only in the electoral campaign days. Later, it will be difficult to get something out of them. Besides, as soon as they are elected, they will forget us and will start to “rip off” money.

The full article is here. A post on similar attempts to attract the youth vote by Prosperous Armenia is here. Unfortunately, I’m sure that there will be many similar articles and posts on the same subject matter as election day draws ever closer. Simply put, the vast majority of Armenian youth remain apathetic and apolitical.