May 29, 2012 - 14:35 AMT
ANC member: power of money has gained foothold in Armenia

Armenian parliamentary elections were held in atmosphere of open violations and “trade”, with public majority having been bribed, Armenian National Congress (ANC) member said.

“Power of money has gained foothold in Armenia. Money controls everything, including public will,” Gayane Arustamyan said,

ANC member couldn’t give a precise answer as to methods of ANC struggle against the authorities, only citing the example of anti-fascists in Germany.

The ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) took a decisive victory at the parliamentary elections on May 6 gaining 44,02% of votes.

The coalition Prosperous Armenia party comes second with 30,12% of votes and the opposition ANC is placed third with 7,08%. The opposition parties Heritage (5,76%) and ARF Dashnaktsutyun (5,67%), as well as the third coalition Orinats Yerkir party (5,51%) also joined the new parliament.

RPA gained absolute majority of 69 seats in the 131-member National Assembly, 40 by proportional and 29 by majority system of voting.

Prosperous Armenia got 37 seats (28 by proportional and 9 by majority systems) and ANC was left with 7.

Dashnaktsutyun and Orinats Yerkir got 6 seats each (5 by proportional and 1 by majority systems), while Heritage got 5.