Former presidential candidate Andrias Ghukasyan has issued a statement, calling on Armenian citizens and political forces to unite.

“February 18 presidential vote proved the ruling authorities’ inability to conduct free and fair elections. It’s apparent that the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) has exhausted its political capacities. Over half a million citizens protested the ruling regime.

Its time people decided on their country’s political future. The unification of citizens and political forces may bring about formation of a national council that will assume the commitment of holding free elections.

For the sake of our country, I urge Armenian citizens to unite and prevent suppression of people’s aspiration for democratic and legitimate Armenia,” Mr Ghukasyan’s statement reads.