The ARF in Armenia, in a statement released today, described its 5th place showing in yesterday’s snap parliamentary election a “defeat” and blamed voters for choosing “individuals over ideas and programs.”

The ARF will not be included in the country’s new parliament since it failed to pass the 5% threshold. It received 3.89% of the overall vote.

The party says that the new National Assembly is being formed lacking a clear ideological base and national character.

Arguing that yesterday’s election proved who its true supporters are, the ARF says this “army”, despite being small, is “ready to participate in our struggle”.  

The ARF argues that while it was able to voice its concerns and back up its arguments with facts during the campaign, “our words weren’t heeded or were given short shrift.”

“Nevertheless, we were able to present issues from the unseen side and to create an opportunity to analyze and to awaken awareness,” the statement reads.

The ARF says that the campaign was overly focused on profile of “the domestic enemy” and amazingly inattentive regarding foreign and domestic threats. The party says the issue of Artsakh wasn’t given the importance it deserves.

Thanking those who voted the party, the ARF says it is closing this stage of history and entering a new one with a steadfast national structure and with the will to struggle for “our future dreams”.

“We are thankful to our young people for their dedication and passionate energy, and for linking their life to the most national and responsible Armenian organization,” the statement reads.