Arguing that several of its top leaders have been arrested during the July-August public protests in Yerevan and that the party must divert its attention to obtaining their release, the Heritage Party (Zharangutyun) announced today that it would not “systematically” participate in upcoming local elections in Armenia.

The party says individual members can participate on their own accord.

The Heritage Party says that while Armen Martirosyan, Davit Sanasaryan and Hovsep Khourshoudyan have been free on bail, they are still being politically hounded by the regime on false charges.

These individuals and many other public and political figures were detained and arrested during the Sasna Dzrer protests.

Thus, argues the Heritage Party, the legitimacy and legality of elections in Armenia have been damaged further than normal.