MP Who Voted Against Controversial Bill Won’t be Elected into Parliament

Republican Party of Armenia MP Rafik Petrosyan won’t be elected into parliament under the majority system, Petrosyan said himself while speaking to journalists in the capital today.

Recall, in the upcoming May 6 parliamentary elections, 131 National Assembly deputies will be elected under a mixed electoral system: 90 deputies will be elected under a proportional system in a nationwide constituency and a further 41 in single-mandate constituencies under a majoritarian system.

“Thrice I’ve been elected under the majority system and I’ve never pursued personal interests. As for not being elected under the majority system, well, that’s tied to my age, as I feel awkward going to residential yards and asking for votes,” he said.

To a journalist’s observation that he, on one occasion, had said he’s still young, Petrosyan stressed that he meant his energy and ability to continue his work in parliament: “I’m saying, it’s inappropriate to go to [residential] yards and ask residents to vote for you. As for working in parliament, let this not be considered self praise, [but] no one can compete with Rafik Petrosyan today.”

Nevertheless, the lawmaker is prepared to back the candidates put forth by his party — regardless of whether the Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) will include him in its proportional list or not.

Weighing in on the emergency rule law adopted in parliament on Mar. 1, Petrosyan said he was the only HHK lawmaker who voted against the bill.

He said he was against the provision in the bill that permits the armed forces to restrict and prohibit public rallies. “I am opposed only to this because it’s not accepted around the world for the armed forces to become a tool in any political force’s hands to put pressure on another political force, and my approach didn’t pass at the first reading. Things are brewing; we spoke with the Justice Minister and it’s highly likely that at the [bill’s] next reading this provision will be removed.

“As for the matter of using the armed forces, well I have to say that, of course, they have to be utilized to preventing the effects of natural disasters, but never for political aims,” he stressed.

Petrosyan also mentioned that his parliamentary colleagues approached him later and were supportive, adding that they, however, voted in favor of the bill because they had no choice.