Addressing the Armenian National Congress (ANC) supporters, Haykakan Zhamanak daily editor-in-chief compared the country’s leadership with magicians that “turn the mouse into a drum in black cylinders, and later assure that it has truly become a drum.” Nikol Pashinyan noted that ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) assured that its candidates list won’t comprise entrepreneurs and members with nicknames, and later started reading out the names and nicknames of those candidates included in RPA list.

He further commented on his rival in N 7 constituency, a leading Armenian oligarch Samvel Aleksanyan, noting that his frequent absence from parliamentary activity casts doubt. Moreover, according to the ANC member, Aleksanyan presented doctor's certificate as an excuse, which implies he suffers from “certain chronic disease.”

“I’ll give Aleksanyan a chance to undergo treatment if he wins,” Pashinyan said.

Haykakan Zhamanak daily editor-in-chief further invited Aleksanyan to a debate in N 7 constituency ‘s yard, citing fear of cameras as the key reason behind the oligarch’s unwillingness to participate in TV debates.