Political expert Levon Shirinyan has described the decisions of Prosperous Armenia, Armenian National Congress (ANC) and ARF Dashnaktsutyun on presidential elections as a retreat.

“Prosperous Armenia foiled the chance of creating a bipartisan system, bringing about collapse of the opposition,” the expert said, hailing ANC leader Levon Ter-Petrossian’s decision to forsake politics.

Dwelling on the plans of Heritage leader Raffi Hovannissian and former Prime Minister Hrant Bagratyan to join the presidential race, he stressed the need for development of Western approach in Armenia’s political life.

“Prosperous Armenia party’s votes are likely to be divided between the candidate of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), President Serzh Sargsyan and Raffi Hovannissian,” the expert said, voicing hope for ex-minister of NKR Arman Melikyan to convey new spirit to the polls.