The 2008 presidential election was held in Armenia on February 19. Prime Minister of ArmeniaSerzh Sargsyan won the election in the first round according to official results, but this is disputed by former President Levon Ter-Petrosyan, who officially placed second.
The candidacy of Sargsyan was backed by incumbent President of ArmeniaRobert Kocharyan (who is ineligible for a third consecutive term). Other candidates included Levon Ter-Petrosyan and Vahan Hovhannisyan, the Vice President of the National Assembly, representing the Armenian Revolutionary Federation. The largest opposition party, Rule of Law, nominated former parliamentary speaker Artur Baghdasarian as its candidate.
Candidates
By the registration deadline of 6 December 2007, nine candidates had registered:
This electoral calendar 2008 lists the national/federal direct elections held in 2008 in the de jure and de facto sovereign states and their dependent territories. Referendums are included, even though they are not elections. By-elections are not included.
http://www.euronews.com/ Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan appears headed for a second five-year term. Exit polls suggest he has gained 58 per cent of votes cast.
The last presidential election, in 2008, was marred by clashes in which 10 people were killed, but there were no immediate reports of violence.
His closest rival Raffi Hovannisian has 32 per cent and the lack of serious competition has led many to question the democratic credentials of the poll.
Questions also linger over security in a nation locked in a dispute with neighbouring Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, an ethnic Armenian-majority enclave inside Azerbaijan over which
Armenians and Azeris fought a war in the 1990s.
The contest was also overshadowed by an attempt to kill a minor candidate. Paruyr Hayrikyan, 63, ...
published: 19 Feb 2013
PFA - Armenian presidential election 2008 - GWU 1
published: 07 Dec 2008
H1 - 2008 Armenian Presidential Election 2/20/08 Result
Coverage of the 2008 Armenian Presidential Election 2/19/08 by Public TV of Armenia (H1).
published: 20 Feb 2008
Armenian Opposition Protests - Day 9
Armenian Opposition have been protesting 9 days in a row after the February 19 Presidential elections, marred with electoral fraud, vote buying and violence.
However, international monitoring missions, like OSCE/ODHIR noted, that the elections were generally in line with Armenia's committements. Prime minister, front-runner candidate Serzh Sargsyan was elected president with 53% of the vote.
Levon Ter-Petrossian and his supporters claim victory. Despite a wide range of irregularities during the elections, Ter-Petrossian's supporters don't seem to have objective proof that their candidate has won.
At any rate, the endless protests have awakened the masses and brought true opposition spirit among the people, who were not long ago - apathetic and passive.
It is yet uncertain, wha...
published: 29 Feb 2008
President casts ballot as Armenians elect new leader
(18 Feb 2013)
1. Wide of Serge Sarkisian, President of Armenia, entering the polling station to vote
2. Sarkisian approaching the ballot box, putting ballot into envelope
3. Sarkisian casting vote
4. Close up of ballot box zoom out to Sarkisian approaching media
5. SOUNDBITE (Armenian) Serge Sarkisian, President of Armenia:
"I have voted for Armenia's future, for the wellbeing of Armenia, for the security of the country and our families."
6. Sarkisian leaving polling station
7. Mid of opposition candidate Raffi Hovanessian being registered
8. Wide Hovanessian casting ballot
9. Close up of ballot box, zoom out to Hovanessian leaving the polling station
10. SOUNDBITE (Armenian) Raffi Hovanessian, Armenian presidential candidate:
"It can be said that today Armenia and the Armenia...
published: 31 Jul 2015
Sarksyan expected to win re-election in Armenia
http://www.euronews.com/ Voting has begun in the Armenian presidential elections where current President Serzh Sarksyan is bidding for a second consecutive term in office.
Elected in a vote marred by fraud and deadly violence in 2008, this year's poll has seen the leading opposition figures decline the challenge, so Sarksyan has scored 60% in opinion polls, with his nearest challenger barely making double figures.
One outsider candidate is currently in hospital after being shot, while another has been on hunger strike since the start of the campaign to demand Sarksyan's candidacy be annulled, and for the international observers in Armenia to boycott the vote.
Council of Europe officials observed on a January visit that there was an atmosphere of apathy towards the vote, and that few ...
published: 18 Feb 2013
PFA-Armenian presidential election 2008 - GWU 3
published: 07 Dec 2008
PFA-Armenian presidential election 2008 - GWU 4
published: 07 Dec 2008
PFA-Armenian presidential election 2008 - GWU 7
published: 07 Dec 2008
Armenian president votes in snap election
(9 Dec 2018) Armenian President Armen Sargsyan cast his vote in snap Parliamentary elections Sunday, expected to cement the rule of new prime minister Nikol Pashinian.
Talking to journalists after voting, Sargsyan called on Armenians to take part in the election process "to decide future of their families and also their children."
The charismatic 43-year-old Nikol Pashinian, who took office in May, pushed for the elections in a bid to win control of a parliament that was dominated by his political foes.
Pashinian, a former journalist turned politician, has tapped into public anger over widespread poverty, high unemployment and rampant corruption in the landlocked former Soviet nation of 3 million that borders Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran.
His fiery rhetoric and easy style hav...
http://www.euronews.com/ Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan appears headed for a second five-year term. Exit polls suggest he has gained 58 per cent of votes cas...
http://www.euronews.com/ Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan appears headed for a second five-year term. Exit polls suggest he has gained 58 per cent of votes cast.
The last presidential election, in 2008, was marred by clashes in which 10 people were killed, but there were no immediate reports of violence.
His closest rival Raffi Hovannisian has 32 per cent and the lack of serious competition has led many to question the democratic credentials of the poll.
Questions also linger over security in a nation locked in a dispute with neighbouring Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, an ethnic Armenian-majority enclave inside Azerbaijan over which
Armenians and Azeris fought a war in the 1990s.
The contest was also overshadowed by an attempt to kill a minor candidate. Paruyr Hayrikyan, 63, an outsider in the election. He was shot in the shoulder last month.
But Sarksyan will also hope the election secures the approval of international observers and ensure some stability after years of war and upheaval.
Final results are expected by Tuesday.
Find us on:
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http://www.euronews.com/ Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan appears headed for a second five-year term. Exit polls suggest he has gained 58 per cent of votes cast.
The last presidential election, in 2008, was marred by clashes in which 10 people were killed, but there were no immediate reports of violence.
His closest rival Raffi Hovannisian has 32 per cent and the lack of serious competition has led many to question the democratic credentials of the poll.
Questions also linger over security in a nation locked in a dispute with neighbouring Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, an ethnic Armenian-majority enclave inside Azerbaijan over which
Armenians and Azeris fought a war in the 1990s.
The contest was also overshadowed by an attempt to kill a minor candidate. Paruyr Hayrikyan, 63, an outsider in the election. He was shot in the shoulder last month.
But Sarksyan will also hope the election secures the approval of international observers and ensure some stability after years of war and upheaval.
Final results are expected by Tuesday.
Find us on:
Youtube http://bit.ly/zr3upY
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/euronews.fans
Twitter http://twitter.com/euronews
Armenian Opposition have been protesting 9 days in a row after the February 19 Presidential elections, marred with electoral fraud, vote buying and violence.
...
Armenian Opposition have been protesting 9 days in a row after the February 19 Presidential elections, marred with electoral fraud, vote buying and violence.
However, international monitoring missions, like OSCE/ODHIR noted, that the elections were generally in line with Armenia's committements. Prime minister, front-runner candidate Serzh Sargsyan was elected president with 53% of the vote.
Levon Ter-Petrossian and his supporters claim victory. Despite a wide range of irregularities during the elections, Ter-Petrossian's supporters don't seem to have objective proof that their candidate has won.
At any rate, the endless protests have awakened the masses and brought true opposition spirit among the people, who were not long ago - apathetic and passive.
It is yet uncertain, what will happen next...
Armenian Opposition have been protesting 9 days in a row after the February 19 Presidential elections, marred with electoral fraud, vote buying and violence.
However, international monitoring missions, like OSCE/ODHIR noted, that the elections were generally in line with Armenia's committements. Prime minister, front-runner candidate Serzh Sargsyan was elected president with 53% of the vote.
Levon Ter-Petrossian and his supporters claim victory. Despite a wide range of irregularities during the elections, Ter-Petrossian's supporters don't seem to have objective proof that their candidate has won.
At any rate, the endless protests have awakened the masses and brought true opposition spirit among the people, who were not long ago - apathetic and passive.
It is yet uncertain, what will happen next...
(18 Feb 2013)
1. Wide of Serge Sarkisian, President of Armenia, entering the polling station to vote
2. Sarkisian approaching the ballot box, putting ballot ...
(18 Feb 2013)
1. Wide of Serge Sarkisian, President of Armenia, entering the polling station to vote
2. Sarkisian approaching the ballot box, putting ballot into envelope
3. Sarkisian casting vote
4. Close up of ballot box zoom out to Sarkisian approaching media
5. SOUNDBITE (Armenian) Serge Sarkisian, President of Armenia:
"I have voted for Armenia's future, for the wellbeing of Armenia, for the security of the country and our families."
6. Sarkisian leaving polling station
7. Mid of opposition candidate Raffi Hovanessian being registered
8. Wide Hovanessian casting ballot
9. Close up of ballot box, zoom out to Hovanessian leaving the polling station
10. SOUNDBITE (Armenian) Raffi Hovanessian, Armenian presidential candidate:
"It can be said that today Armenia and the Armenian people are marking an important day in achieving a better future and justice."
11. Hovanessian leaving the polling station
12. Various of Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) observers at the polling station
13. SOUNDBITE (English) Tonino Picula, Head of the OSCE electoral observer mission in Armenia: ++NOT VERBATIM++
"(A) major question is will Armenia this time - will it and to what extent - comply with the Copenhagen document (which is) important for the assessment of democratic elections."
14. Mid of people outside polling station
STORYLINE:
Voting got under way on Monday in Armenia's presidential election, which the incumbent Serge Sarkisian was widely expected to win.
Sarkisian was expected to win the 50 percent plus one vote tally necessary to avoid a second round.
Six other candidates are on the ballot.
Talking to the media after casting his ballot in the capital Yerevan, Sarkisian said he had voted for prosperity and security in the country.
Sarkisian's first term in 2008 started traumatically.
Within weeks of his election, clashes between police and supporters of Sarkisian's vanquished challenger Lev Ter-Petrosian left 10 people dead and more than 250 injured.
But Sarkisian adroitly reduced tensions by talking with critics and allowing opposition protests.
The next year, the parliament granted a sweeping amnesty to hundreds of people who had been arrested in the post-election violence.
He also has overseen a return to economic growth after years of stagnation, although the former Soviet republic still suffers from widespread poverty.
The landlocked country's economy is hobbled by the longstanding closure of its borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey, both connected with the occupation by Armenian troops and ethnic Armenian local forces of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan.
That frozen conflict shows no signs of imminent resolution despite years of international mediation attempts.
Since fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh ended in 1994, Azerbaijan has used its burgeoning oil wealth to restore its military.
Sarkisian's main opponent, Raffi Hovanessian, has made accusations that Sarkisian is losing the arms race with Azerbaijan a main plank of his campaign.
The American-born Hovanessian, who was post-Soviet Armenia's first foreign minister, also contends that billions of dollars have disappeared from the state budget because of corruption under Sarkisian.
"It can be said that today Armenia and the Armenian people are marking an important day in achieving a better future and justice," he said after casting his vote.
The head of the OSCE electoral observer mission in Armenia said it remained to be seen if the country had complied with the Copenhagen document "important for the assessment of democratic elections."
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(18 Feb 2013)
1. Wide of Serge Sarkisian, President of Armenia, entering the polling station to vote
2. Sarkisian approaching the ballot box, putting ballot into envelope
3. Sarkisian casting vote
4. Close up of ballot box zoom out to Sarkisian approaching media
5. SOUNDBITE (Armenian) Serge Sarkisian, President of Armenia:
"I have voted for Armenia's future, for the wellbeing of Armenia, for the security of the country and our families."
6. Sarkisian leaving polling station
7. Mid of opposition candidate Raffi Hovanessian being registered
8. Wide Hovanessian casting ballot
9. Close up of ballot box, zoom out to Hovanessian leaving the polling station
10. SOUNDBITE (Armenian) Raffi Hovanessian, Armenian presidential candidate:
"It can be said that today Armenia and the Armenian people are marking an important day in achieving a better future and justice."
11. Hovanessian leaving the polling station
12. Various of Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) observers at the polling station
13. SOUNDBITE (English) Tonino Picula, Head of the OSCE electoral observer mission in Armenia: ++NOT VERBATIM++
"(A) major question is will Armenia this time - will it and to what extent - comply with the Copenhagen document (which is) important for the assessment of democratic elections."
14. Mid of people outside polling station
STORYLINE:
Voting got under way on Monday in Armenia's presidential election, which the incumbent Serge Sarkisian was widely expected to win.
Sarkisian was expected to win the 50 percent plus one vote tally necessary to avoid a second round.
Six other candidates are on the ballot.
Talking to the media after casting his ballot in the capital Yerevan, Sarkisian said he had voted for prosperity and security in the country.
Sarkisian's first term in 2008 started traumatically.
Within weeks of his election, clashes between police and supporters of Sarkisian's vanquished challenger Lev Ter-Petrosian left 10 people dead and more than 250 injured.
But Sarkisian adroitly reduced tensions by talking with critics and allowing opposition protests.
The next year, the parliament granted a sweeping amnesty to hundreds of people who had been arrested in the post-election violence.
He also has overseen a return to economic growth after years of stagnation, although the former Soviet republic still suffers from widespread poverty.
The landlocked country's economy is hobbled by the longstanding closure of its borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey, both connected with the occupation by Armenian troops and ethnic Armenian local forces of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan.
That frozen conflict shows no signs of imminent resolution despite years of international mediation attempts.
Since fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh ended in 1994, Azerbaijan has used its burgeoning oil wealth to restore its military.
Sarkisian's main opponent, Raffi Hovanessian, has made accusations that Sarkisian is losing the arms race with Azerbaijan a main plank of his campaign.
The American-born Hovanessian, who was post-Soviet Armenia's first foreign minister, also contends that billions of dollars have disappeared from the state budget because of corruption under Sarkisian.
"It can be said that today Armenia and the Armenian people are marking an important day in achieving a better future and justice," he said after casting his vote.
The head of the OSCE electoral observer mission in Armenia said it remained to be seen if the country had complied with the Copenhagen document "important for the assessment of democratic elections."
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http://www.euronews.com/ Voting has begun in the Armenian presidential elections where current President Serzh Sarksyan is bidding for a second consecutive term...
http://www.euronews.com/ Voting has begun in the Armenian presidential elections where current President Serzh Sarksyan is bidding for a second consecutive term in office.
Elected in a vote marred by fraud and deadly violence in 2008, this year's poll has seen the leading opposition figures decline the challenge, so Sarksyan has scored 60% in opinion polls, with his nearest challenger barely making double figures.
One outsider candidate is currently in hospital after being shot, while another has been on hunger strike since the start of the campaign to demand Sarksyan's candidacy be annulled, and for the international observers in Armenia to boycott the vote.
Council of Europe officials observed on a January visit that there was an atmosphere of apathy towards the vote, and that few people expressed confidence in the electoral process.
Sarksyan is a native of the Nagorno-Karabakh region wrested from Azerbaijan in a war in the 1990s. He says he is pursuing peace talks with Armenia's neighbour, but is ready to fight for the territory again if necessary.
Find us on:
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http://www.euronews.com/ Voting has begun in the Armenian presidential elections where current President Serzh Sarksyan is bidding for a second consecutive term in office.
Elected in a vote marred by fraud and deadly violence in 2008, this year's poll has seen the leading opposition figures decline the challenge, so Sarksyan has scored 60% in opinion polls, with his nearest challenger barely making double figures.
One outsider candidate is currently in hospital after being shot, while another has been on hunger strike since the start of the campaign to demand Sarksyan's candidacy be annulled, and for the international observers in Armenia to boycott the vote.
Council of Europe officials observed on a January visit that there was an atmosphere of apathy towards the vote, and that few people expressed confidence in the electoral process.
Sarksyan is a native of the Nagorno-Karabakh region wrested from Azerbaijan in a war in the 1990s. He says he is pursuing peace talks with Armenia's neighbour, but is ready to fight for the territory again if necessary.
Find us on:
Youtube http://bit.ly/zr3upY
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/euronews.fans
Twitter http://twitter.com/euronews
(9 Dec 2018) Armenian President Armen Sargsyan cast his vote in snap Parliamentary elections Sunday, expected to cement the rule of new prime minister Nikol Pas...
(9 Dec 2018) Armenian President Armen Sargsyan cast his vote in snap Parliamentary elections Sunday, expected to cement the rule of new prime minister Nikol Pashinian.
Talking to journalists after voting, Sargsyan called on Armenians to take part in the election process "to decide future of their families and also their children."
The charismatic 43-year-old Nikol Pashinian, who took office in May, pushed for the elections in a bid to win control of a parliament that was dominated by his political foes.
Pashinian, a former journalist turned politician, has tapped into public anger over widespread poverty, high unemployment and rampant corruption in the landlocked former Soviet nation of 3 million that borders Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran.
His fiery rhetoric and easy style have helped cement his popularity.
Opinion polls have indicated that Pashinian's My Step alliance is set to sweep the vote, while the Republican Party that controlled the old parliament is trailing far behind.
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(9 Dec 2018) Armenian President Armen Sargsyan cast his vote in snap Parliamentary elections Sunday, expected to cement the rule of new prime minister Nikol Pashinian.
Talking to journalists after voting, Sargsyan called on Armenians to take part in the election process "to decide future of their families and also their children."
The charismatic 43-year-old Nikol Pashinian, who took office in May, pushed for the elections in a bid to win control of a parliament that was dominated by his political foes.
Pashinian, a former journalist turned politician, has tapped into public anger over widespread poverty, high unemployment and rampant corruption in the landlocked former Soviet nation of 3 million that borders Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran.
His fiery rhetoric and easy style have helped cement his popularity.
Opinion polls have indicated that Pashinian's My Step alliance is set to sweep the vote, while the Republican Party that controlled the old parliament is trailing far behind.
Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
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http://www.euronews.com/ Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan appears headed for a second five-year term. Exit polls suggest he has gained 58 per cent of votes cast.
The last presidential election, in 2008, was marred by clashes in which 10 people were killed, but there were no immediate reports of violence.
His closest rival Raffi Hovannisian has 32 per cent and the lack of serious competition has led many to question the democratic credentials of the poll.
Questions also linger over security in a nation locked in a dispute with neighbouring Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, an ethnic Armenian-majority enclave inside Azerbaijan over which
Armenians and Azeris fought a war in the 1990s.
The contest was also overshadowed by an attempt to kill a minor candidate. Paruyr Hayrikyan, 63, an outsider in the election. He was shot in the shoulder last month.
But Sarksyan will also hope the election secures the approval of international observers and ensure some stability after years of war and upheaval.
Final results are expected by Tuesday.
Find us on:
Youtube http://bit.ly/zr3upY
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/euronews.fans
Twitter http://twitter.com/euronews
Armenian Opposition have been protesting 9 days in a row after the February 19 Presidential elections, marred with electoral fraud, vote buying and violence.
However, international monitoring missions, like OSCE/ODHIR noted, that the elections were generally in line with Armenia's committements. Prime minister, front-runner candidate Serzh Sargsyan was elected president with 53% of the vote.
Levon Ter-Petrossian and his supporters claim victory. Despite a wide range of irregularities during the elections, Ter-Petrossian's supporters don't seem to have objective proof that their candidate has won.
At any rate, the endless protests have awakened the masses and brought true opposition spirit among the people, who were not long ago - apathetic and passive.
It is yet uncertain, what will happen next...
(18 Feb 2013)
1. Wide of Serge Sarkisian, President of Armenia, entering the polling station to vote
2. Sarkisian approaching the ballot box, putting ballot into envelope
3. Sarkisian casting vote
4. Close up of ballot box zoom out to Sarkisian approaching media
5. SOUNDBITE (Armenian) Serge Sarkisian, President of Armenia:
"I have voted for Armenia's future, for the wellbeing of Armenia, for the security of the country and our families."
6. Sarkisian leaving polling station
7. Mid of opposition candidate Raffi Hovanessian being registered
8. Wide Hovanessian casting ballot
9. Close up of ballot box, zoom out to Hovanessian leaving the polling station
10. SOUNDBITE (Armenian) Raffi Hovanessian, Armenian presidential candidate:
"It can be said that today Armenia and the Armenian people are marking an important day in achieving a better future and justice."
11. Hovanessian leaving the polling station
12. Various of Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) observers at the polling station
13. SOUNDBITE (English) Tonino Picula, Head of the OSCE electoral observer mission in Armenia: ++NOT VERBATIM++
"(A) major question is will Armenia this time - will it and to what extent - comply with the Copenhagen document (which is) important for the assessment of democratic elections."
14. Mid of people outside polling station
STORYLINE:
Voting got under way on Monday in Armenia's presidential election, which the incumbent Serge Sarkisian was widely expected to win.
Sarkisian was expected to win the 50 percent plus one vote tally necessary to avoid a second round.
Six other candidates are on the ballot.
Talking to the media after casting his ballot in the capital Yerevan, Sarkisian said he had voted for prosperity and security in the country.
Sarkisian's first term in 2008 started traumatically.
Within weeks of his election, clashes between police and supporters of Sarkisian's vanquished challenger Lev Ter-Petrosian left 10 people dead and more than 250 injured.
But Sarkisian adroitly reduced tensions by talking with critics and allowing opposition protests.
The next year, the parliament granted a sweeping amnesty to hundreds of people who had been arrested in the post-election violence.
He also has overseen a return to economic growth after years of stagnation, although the former Soviet republic still suffers from widespread poverty.
The landlocked country's economy is hobbled by the longstanding closure of its borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey, both connected with the occupation by Armenian troops and ethnic Armenian local forces of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan.
That frozen conflict shows no signs of imminent resolution despite years of international mediation attempts.
Since fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh ended in 1994, Azerbaijan has used its burgeoning oil wealth to restore its military.
Sarkisian's main opponent, Raffi Hovanessian, has made accusations that Sarkisian is losing the arms race with Azerbaijan a main plank of his campaign.
The American-born Hovanessian, who was post-Soviet Armenia's first foreign minister, also contends that billions of dollars have disappeared from the state budget because of corruption under Sarkisian.
"It can be said that today Armenia and the Armenian people are marking an important day in achieving a better future and justice," he said after casting his vote.
The head of the OSCE electoral observer mission in Armenia said it remained to be seen if the country had complied with the Copenhagen document "important for the assessment of democratic elections."
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http://www.euronews.com/ Voting has begun in the Armenian presidential elections where current President Serzh Sarksyan is bidding for a second consecutive term in office.
Elected in a vote marred by fraud and deadly violence in 2008, this year's poll has seen the leading opposition figures decline the challenge, so Sarksyan has scored 60% in opinion polls, with his nearest challenger barely making double figures.
One outsider candidate is currently in hospital after being shot, while another has been on hunger strike since the start of the campaign to demand Sarksyan's candidacy be annulled, and for the international observers in Armenia to boycott the vote.
Council of Europe officials observed on a January visit that there was an atmosphere of apathy towards the vote, and that few people expressed confidence in the electoral process.
Sarksyan is a native of the Nagorno-Karabakh region wrested from Azerbaijan in a war in the 1990s. He says he is pursuing peace talks with Armenia's neighbour, but is ready to fight for the territory again if necessary.
Find us on:
Youtube http://bit.ly/zr3upY
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/euronews.fans
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(9 Dec 2018) Armenian President Armen Sargsyan cast his vote in snap Parliamentary elections Sunday, expected to cement the rule of new prime minister Nikol Pashinian.
Talking to journalists after voting, Sargsyan called on Armenians to take part in the election process "to decide future of their families and also their children."
The charismatic 43-year-old Nikol Pashinian, who took office in May, pushed for the elections in a bid to win control of a parliament that was dominated by his political foes.
Pashinian, a former journalist turned politician, has tapped into public anger over widespread poverty, high unemployment and rampant corruption in the landlocked former Soviet nation of 3 million that borders Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran.
His fiery rhetoric and easy style have helped cement his popularity.
Opinion polls have indicated that Pashinian's My Step alliance is set to sweep the vote, while the Republican Party that controlled the old parliament is trailing far behind.
Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_Archive
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/
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The 2008 presidential election was held in Armenia on February 19. Prime Minister of ArmeniaSerzh Sargsyan won the election in the first round according to official results, but this is disputed by former President Levon Ter-Petrosyan, who officially placed second.
The candidacy of Sargsyan was backed by incumbent President of ArmeniaRobert Kocharyan (who is ineligible for a third consecutive term). Other candidates included Levon Ter-Petrosyan and Vahan Hovhannisyan, the Vice President of the National Assembly, representing the Armenian Revolutionary Federation. The largest opposition party, Rule of Law, nominated former parliamentary speaker Artur Baghdasarian as its candidate.
Candidates
By the registration deadline of 6 December 2007, nine candidates had registered: