Ter-Petrossian Might Negotiate with Government to Become Head of Armenian Parliament: Opinion

The discharge of tension between the authorities and the Armenian National Congress (HAK) and the possibility of political dialogue have created grounds to assume that political competition might be expected in the upcoming parliamentary elections, wrote political analyst Suren Surenyants on his blog recently.

Surenyants finds that it’s quite difficult to create an electoral list in an alliance — in HAK, specifically — which combines 18 parties and several civic movements — all multifaceted and diverse.

“But whether HAK leaders want to or not, they will be engaged in this task. If not today, then tomorrow,” said Surenyants, who believes that HAK’s proportional list will be led by HAK leader Levon Ter-Petrossian.

“In case of another leader, HAK’s unity might be seriously jeopardized: there will be passive boycott-ers and those who are resentful. Of course, Ter-Petrossian, at best, will receive the mandate of a deputy, and if HAK wins or negotiates an agreement with the authorities, he will take over as National Assembly chair.”

According to the analyst and blogger, Stepan Demirchyan and Aram Sargsyan will be among the top three spots in HAK’s list.

“The problem is not that HAK doesn’t have new leaders. It’s just that any break from the status quo will lead to tensions within the alliance. Furthermore, it’s important for Ter-Petrossian to show the connection between his movement and the former opposition,” added Surenyants, referring to the political union of those killed in the 1999 parliamentary shooting: National Assembly Speaker Karen Demirchyan (Stepan’s father) and prime minister Vazgen Sargsyan (Aram’s brother).