Following is a statement released by Vardan Oskanian, Armenia’s former foreign minister, regarding the upcoming parliamentary elections.

I firmly believe that it is of utmost importance that Armenia hold free and fair parliamentary elections.

Armenia needs serious and deep reforms and I’m convinced that all our citizens share this belief. Reforms and change can only happen when there is a new political configuration in the National Assembly. And such political balance can only be assured through free and fair elections.

My own political engagement is driven by this conviction. Talk about my involvement with the Prosperous Armenia party is not without basis. I have had such discussions with the Prosperous Armenia party as well as with other political forces. At this time, I have still not made a decision, and believe there is still time to do so. Political processes, however, may accelerate my decision.

Today, we are witnessing several simultaneous political processes. First, behind-the-scenes discussions among various parties, and within the coalition as well. Second, politically-motivated pressures on various parties, and especially Prosperous Armenia. Third, the utilization of administrative resources this early in the pre-electoral period to secure advantageous positions. Finally, the ongoing debate about the make-up of the National Assembly – majoritarian vs. party lists.

Taking into consideration the political situation in Armenia today, it is obvious that the election ought to be based on party lists alone. But that will not be possible so long as the parliamentary majority is uncompromising. Therefore, all those who support the party list approach – Prosperous Armenia, Armenian National Congress, the ARF Dashnaktsutyun, Heritage, the Popular Party, the Free Democrats and others – not lose any more time, and soon after the parliamentary hearings on this topic, transform this momentum into a civic movement and focus on holding fair elections and, moreover, think about the possibility of deeper cooperation during the May parliamentary election.